lay your cards on the table

lay (one's) cards on the table

To reveal something that one has kept hidden, such as one's motives, intentions, opinion, etc.; to be very candid. A reference to a player in a card game revealing the cards that they were holding. You deserve honesty, so I'm going to lay my cards on the table. I can't offer you this job, but we may have another position that you'd be good for. Brian says he starts every relationship by laying his cards on the table—that way there are no secrets.

See also: card, lay, on, table

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

lay your cards on the table

or

put your cards on the table

If you lay your cards on the table or put your cards on the table, you tell someone the truth about your feelings, opinions or plans. I will lay my cards on the table. I am an atheist. I'm going to put my cards on the table and make you an offer. Note: The reference here is to players in a card game laying their cards face up for the other players to see.

See also: card, lay, on, table

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

put/lay your ˈcards on the table

(informal) talk honestly and openly about your thoughts and intentions, especially when these have been secret until now: It’s time I put my cards on the table; I can’t afford the price you’re asking.

See also: card, lay, on, put, table

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017