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general::
Phrase(s): lay one’s cards on the table [and] put one’s cards on the table
Fig. to be very candid about one’s position on some issue. (Alludes to laying playing cards on the table, face up, showing the cards.) • All right. Let’s lay our cards on the table and speak very candidly about this matter. • It’s time we put our cards on the table and spoke honestly.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs