lay it on the line
Be brutally honest
To lay it on the line is to speak with complete honesty, holding nothing back—especially when the truth is uncomfortable or risky: Let me lay it on the line: if sales don't improve, we're closing the store.
The phrase suggests putting something valuable at stake, as one might place money on a gambling line.
A related sense means to risk something directly: She laid her reputation on the line for him.
- truthfulnessHabit of not lying
- tell it like it isSpeak with complete candor
- candorUnguarded truthfulness
- straight talkHonest, direct communication
- dedicationWholehearted loyalty to purpose
confession · transparency · sincerity · revelation · disclosure · come clean · clarity · bluntness · no holds barred · authenticity · confrontation · assertiveness · sacrifice · ultimatum · do or die · gut check · daring · boldness
lay it on the linebeat around the bush
Avoid stating directly
equivocate · hedge · prevaricate · waffle · dodge the question
lay it on the linesugarcoat
Make something seem pleasanter
soften the blow · whitewash · gloss over · tiptoe around · water down
lay it on the linehedge your bets
Reduce risk by diversifying
play it safe · hold back · sit on the fence · cover your bases
laying, layer, itself, line, lines, lined, lining, liner, liners