lay\ smth\ on\ the\ line

• lay (smth) on the line

• put on the line

v. phr. informal

1. To pay or offer to pay.

The sponsors had to lay nearly a million dollars on the line to keep the show on tV.

The bank is putting $5,000 on the line as a reward to anyone who catches the robber.

Compare: put up

2. To say plainly so that there can be no doubt; tell truthfully,

I'm going to lay it on the line for you, Paul. You must work harder if you want to pass.

3. To take a chance of losing; risk.

The champion is laying his title on the line in the fight tonight.

Frank decided to lay his job on the line and tell the boss that he thought he was wrong.