put your cards on the table
put (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 player in a card game revealing the cards that they were holding. You deserve honesty, so I'm going to put 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 putting his cards on the table—that way there's no secrets.
See also: card, on, put, table
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
put (or lay) your cards on the table
be completely open and honest in declaring your resources, intentions, or attitude.See also: card, on, put, table
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
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
- lay (one's) cards on the table
- lay cards on the table
- lay one's cards on the table
- lay your cards on the table
- put (one's) cards on the table
- put/lay your cards on the table
- give (oneself) away
- give away
- reveal (one's) hand
- show/reveal your hand