cards on the table, to lay/put one’s
To be completely candid, to hide nothing. The term comes from numerous card games in which the players must at some point turn their cards faceup and show their hands. The expression was transferred to a more general meaning in the late sixteenth century.
Similar Terms
- Lay it on the line: To speak directly and clearly about something.
- Open book: Someone whose thoughts and feelings are entirely known.
- No holds barred: Unreserved or unrestricted behavior.
Synonyms
- Full disclosure
- Plain speaking
- Transparency
- Honesty
Antonyms
- Conceal
- Deceive
- Hiding the truth
- Keeping secrets
Witty Commentary
“Honesty is the best policy; but he who is honest about his lack of policies is refreshingly rare!” - Chuck P. Openhand
Fitting Proverbs
- “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” - Thomas Jefferson
- “A clear conscience laughs at false accusations.” - Latin Proverb
Recommended Literature & Entertainment
- Literature: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee 🌫, for its deep dive into conviction and truth.
- Books: “The Honest Truth About Dishonesty” by Dan Ariely - a fascinating exploration of why we lie.
- Songs: “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper 🌈 - because honesty can be seen in your true colors.
- Poetry: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost - for those moments when truth guides your journey.
- Movies: “Liar Liar” 🎥 starring Jim Carrey, a hilarious take on uncontrollable truth-telling.
Inspiring Farewell
As we conclude this revelatory journey, remember: true strength often lies in holding back nothing. Be open, be earnest, be you. So, take a risk, deal your cards, and let the world know your hand.
Quizzes
### Which of these phrases means to be completely honest?
- [x] Lay one’s cards on the table
- [ ] Bluff one's way through
- [ ] Hide under the carpet
- [ ] Sugarcoat the bitter pill
> **Explanation:** "Lay one’s cards on the table" signifies total candor and transparency, contrasting the deceit in the other options.
### What is NOT a synonym for "lay one’s cards on the table"?
- [ ] Full disclosure
- [ ] Plain speaking
- [ ] Transparency
- [x] Keep under wraps
> **Explanation:** "Keep under wraps" means to conceal information, the antithesis of being candid and transparent.
### True or False: 'Cards on the table' originated in the 21st century?
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** The phrase harks back to the late 16th century, sourced from card gameplay, not modern lingo origins.
Transforming deceptively ordinary words into extraordinary worlds, Fiona Frankliterature
