lay (one's) head on the block

lay (one's) head on the block

To assume or expose oneself to some risk, danger, or responsibility; to imperil oneself or lay oneself in harm's way; to risk damaging one's reputation. Look, I'm laying my head on the block for you here. I could get fired if they find out what we're up to! You have to take some risks to be successful in business and in life, but don't lay your head on the block for no good reason. The news anchor lay his head on the block by publicly disparaging one of the presidential candidates on live television.

See also: block, head, lay, on

put/lay your head/neck on the block

risk defeat, failure, etc.; put yourself in a situation where you might be blamed, criticized, etc: The government laid its head on the block and said that if it loses this vote in Parliament tonight it will call an election. ♢ I’m prepared to put my neck on the block and promise that the new building will be ready by the end of the year.In the past when people were executed (= killed as a punishment), they had to lay their head on a block so that it could be chopped off.

See also: block, head, lay, neck, on, put