lay it on the line

idiom

informal
: to speak very honestly and directly to someone
Let me lay it on the line (to/for you): if your work doesn't improve, you'll be fired.

Examples of lay it on the line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
After months of talk, the 26 people who have declared their desire to go to Congress via a South Florida special election have to lay it on the line — with cold, hard cash. Anthony Man, sun-sentinel.com, 9 Aug. 2021

Dictionary Entries Near lay it on the line

Cite this Entry

“Lay it on the line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lay%20it%20on%20the%20line. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!