lay cards on the table

lay one's cards on the table and put one's cards on the table

Fig. to be very candid about one's position on some issue. (Alludes to laying playing cards on the table, face up, showing the cards.) All right. Let's lay our cards on the table and speak very candidly about this matter. It's time we put our cards on the table and spoke honestly. lay one's hands on someone, something, or an animal Go to put one's hands on someone, something, or an animal. lay (oneself) down to lie down. Just lay yourself down there and try to sleep. I'll lay myself down here for just a few minutes.

See also: card, lay, table

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lay/put your cards on the table

to tell someone honestly what you think or what you plan to do I'll put my cards on the table: I don't like the way you've been behaving. She thought it was time to put her cards on the table and tell him that she had no intention of marrying him.

See also: card, lay, table