up for grabs

Question

The only thing which isn't up for grabs is no change and I think it's fair to say it's all to play for, except for no change." HiWhat is the meaning of the sentence above ?thanks:)

X11 · Accepted Answer

Up for grabs is informal and means - Available for anyone who is interested.

Jay

TeacherBrian · Answer

Behnazzz
The only thing which isn't up for grabs is no change and I think it's fair to say it's all to play for, except for no change."

Hi

What is the meaning of the sentence above ?

thanks:)

The sentence contains several idiomatic expressions, some negatives and a restrictive condition!.....Hmmm... we need to unravel it all:-
to grab means to take hold of , seize suddenly, to take greedily (from Middle Dutch grabben).
So, in the quoted sentence, the thing being spoken of is not available, or not a possibility.
The thing being spoken of is "no change", so the writer is saying that 'no change' is not an option. He/she then adds that it "it's fair to say", which means that it would seem reasonable to state that...
Then he/she says "it's all to play for" which means that anyone who wishes to undertake the endeavour (whatever it is) has the opportunity of great success, or a big prize, or prizes which justify the effort. But then he/she adds a condition or restriction, namely that no one should aim for "no change" in the situation.
.................................................................
To paraphrase..."(Something) must change, anyone can join in this task, the chances of success are high, the rewards/benefits will be great. Doing nothing is not an option."

Your quotation sounds like a politician's speech. Am I right?

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