lay on the line

Definitions

1. To state strongly, clearly, and accurately.
   idiomatic, transitive
2. To risk.
   idiomatic, transitive

Examples

“Martin presented the list to the 30-member House Republican Policy Committee, laid the facts on the line in cold political terms.”

“1970-1975, Lou Sullivan, personal diary, quoted in 2019, Ellis Martin, Zach Ozma (editors), We Both Laughed In Pleasure The way I felt about my approach⟳ to him—I just wanted to lay⟳ it on the line, get⟳ an answer⟳ & split⟳, I was so nervous. I didn't have⟳ any confidence to flirt my way into getting him to my place⟳. Joyce said I can't just take⟳ the male role like⟳ that.”

“Finally, though, he laid it on the line. “I said to her, ‘You gotta tell⟳ me if you still love⟳ me.’””

“California's Edmund Gerald Brown, 54, laid his political prestige on the line with a sheaf of legislative proposals.”

“It was King and his network of Christian and Jewish clergy who laid their jobs and, in some cases, their lives on the line until my fellow Southerners were too ashamed and embarrassed to continue⟳ their wickedness.”

CEFR level