put head on the block

put one's head on the block (for someone or something)

Fig. to take great risks for someone or something; to go to a lot of trouble or difficulty for someone or something; to attempt to gain favor for someone or something. I don't know why I should put my head on the block for Joan. What has she ever done for me? Sally tried to get me to put in a good word about her with the boss. But the last time I put my head on the block for anyone, it all backfired, and when the person goofed up, I looked like an idiot!

See also: block, head, put

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put your head/neck on the block

to risk doing something which will make other people lose their good opinion of you if it fails

Usage notes: In the past, the block was a large piece of wood on which criminals had their heads cut off.

He put his head on the block by promising his team wouldn't lose any more matches this year. I'm not going to put my head on the block for you - it could cost me my promotion.

See knock block off

See also: block, head, put