2
general::
Phrase(s): lay it on the line [and] put it on the line
Fig. to make something very clear; to be very definite about something. • I am going to lay it on the line and you had better listen to me. If you eat any of these mushrooms, you will die. • I’ve said it before, but this time I’m going to put it on the line. Don’t eat the mushrooms!
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs