put (oneself) on the line

put (oneself) on the line

To personally assume or expose oneself to some risk, danger, or responsibility; to imperil oneself or put oneself in harm's way. Look, I'm putting myself on the line 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 put yourself on the line for no good reason.
See also: line, on, put
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

put yourself on the line

or

lay yourself on the line

If you put yourself on the line or lay yourself on the line, you do something that has big personal risks for you, especially for your job or reputation. When you are a professional athlete and put yourself on the line, you have to accept criticism. He was the one who was expected to deliver, who laid himself on the line with his `ethical policies'. Compare with on the line.
See also: line, on, put
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • put yourself on the line
  • put (one's) neck on the line
  • put neck on the line
  • put your neck on the line
  • put (one's) butt on the line
  • stick (one's) neck out
  • stick neck out
  • stick one's neck out
  • stick your neck out