Idiom:  lay your cards on the table

Definition

Idiom:  (put) lay (all) your cards on the table

  • explain everything that you know truthfully and completely


Note:  This idiom comes from the game of poker where the winner must show the cards in their hand by putting them down on the table face-up to prove they won the game.

You can use this idiom in any person (my, your, his, her, our, their).

Example sentences

— If you lay all your cards on the table maybe she'll give you a second chance.

— After my parents laid their cards on the table they realized the only thing keeping them together was my little brother and I.

— We suggest you put all of your cards on the table and tell us exactly what happened.

— If you lay all your cards on the table, the prosecutor will reduce the charges against you.

— It was really hard but my daughter finally laid all her cards on the table and we were able to get her into rehab for her drug addiction.

— When I put all my cards on the table and told my girlfriend how much I loved her, she cried and said she's actually wanted to end our relationship.

— Never lay all your cards on the table in business or it will be difficult to negotiate deals effectively.


Synonyms

  • show your hand
  • show your cards


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