Lay it on the Line, To
To lay it on the line means to speak frankly and honestly, no sugarcoating, and no beating around the bush. This Americanism from the early 20th century originally indicated handing over money around the 1920s. By mid-century, it had transformed into speaking plainly or categorically, with an added dimension in the 1960s – putting something at risk, like “The Marines laid their lives on the line.”
Related and Similar Terms:
- Tell it like it is
- Speak your mind
- Come clean
- Bring to light
- Spill the beans
Synonyms:
- Straight talk
- Frankness
- Honesty
- Directness
Antonyms:
- Evasion
- Dishonesty
- Prevarication
Humor-filled Quote: “May your coffee be strong and your Monday be short…just lay it on the line!” 🌟
Proverbs and References:
- “Honesty is the best policy.”
- “Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn’t people feel so free to delight in whatever remains to them?” — Rose Kennedy
- “When in doubt, tell the truth.” – Mark Twain
Literature and Books:
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – for its themes of courage and integrity.
- 1984 by George Orwell – a stark reminder of the value of truth.
Songs and Poetry:
- “Honesty” by Billy Joel – for the candid lyrics.
- “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson – a call for honest self-reflection.
Movies:
- A Few Good Men – “You can’t handle the truth!” epitomizes laying it on the line.
- The Pursuit of Happyness – showcasing speaking the truth against all odds.
Inspirational Thought-provoking Farewell: “The truth will set you free…and maybe a bit scare someone’s socks off. Don’t worry; freedom suits everyone eventually.” – Verity Straighttalk 🌟
