Lay Your Cards on the Table 🃏
Meaning: To reveal one’s true motives or intentions openly and honestly.
Origin: This phrase originates from card games where players would lay their cards face-up to show their hand, symbolizing honesty and openness. The first recorded usage dates back to Edmund Campion in 1581.
Similar Phrases & Synonyms
- Tip one’s hand: Reveal one’s plans or intentions prematurely or covertly.
- Come clean: Admit the truth about something.
- Bare one’s soul: Reveal one’s deepest thoughts or secrets.
- Show one’s hand: Similar to tipping one’s hand, showing one’s cards in a game setting.
Antonyms
- Keep one’s cards close to one’s chest: To withhold information or one’s intentions.
- Play both sides: To deceive by being a part of two opposed groups.
- Conceal one’s hand: To hide one’s true intentions or plans.
Humor-filled Quotes
- “I would show you my cards, but my hand is just too fabulous to reveal!” – Unknown Poker Enthusiast
- “Laying your cards on the table is great… unless you’re in Vegas. Then keep those aces hidden.” – Darren Davies, Comedian
References in Literature:
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Jay Gatsby often concealed his true motives until it was necessary to lay his cards on the table for the love of Daisy.
- Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte: Heathcliff’s manipulative tactics show he would rather keep his cards close to his chest, influencing the plot to unravel when intentions are finally revealed.
Songs to Jam To:
- “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga: Perfect anthem for those contemplating either hiding or revealing their true intentions.
- “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers: Classic tune on learning to play your cards right.
Movies Featuring This Theme:
- Casino Royale (2006): James Bond frequently holds and reveals his cards (literally and figuratively).
- Rounders (1998): A film about poker that vividly teaches when to reveal one’s true intentions.
### What does "Laying your cards on the table" mean?
- [ ] To start a board game.
- [ ] To collect money.
- [x] To reveal your true intentions or motives.
- [ ] To cheat in a card game.
> **Explanation:** "Laying your cards on the table" means to reveal your true intentions or motives, much like showing your hand in a card game.
### Which phrase is synonymous with "Laying your cards on the table"?
- [ ] Concealing a secret.
- [x] Tip one’s hand.
- [ ] Keeping it under wraps.
- [ ] Deceiving someone.
> **Explanation:** "Tip one’s hand" has a similar meaning to "laying your cards on the table," suggesting revealing one's plans or intentions.
### True or False: "Keeping one’s cards close to one’s chest" means the same as "laying one’s cards on the table".
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** "Keeping one’s cards close to one’s chest" means to withhold information or one's intentions, which is the opposite of "laying one’s cards on the table".
Inspirational Thought: “In the game of life, sometimes the boldest move is honesty. So, don’t be afraid to lay your cards on the table.”
- Doyle Straightflush
