E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Tapis.
On the tapis. On the carpet; under consideration, now being ventilated. An English-French phrase, referring to the tapis or cloth with which the table of the council-chamber is covered, and on which are laid the motions before the House.
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“My business comes now upon the tapis.”—Farquhar The Beaux Stratagem, iii. 3.
