Phrase guide

lay on the line

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To state strongly, clearly, and accurately.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • 1970-1975, Lou Sullivan, personal diary, quoted in 2019, Ellis Martin, Zach Ozma (editors), We Both Laughed In Pleasure The way I felt about my approach to him—I just wanted to lay it on the line, get an answer & split, I was so nervous. I didn't have any confidence to flirt my way into getting him to my place. Joyce said I can't just take the male role like that.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To risk.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

expose to a chance of loss or damage

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • We risked losing a lot of money in this venture
  • Why risk your life?
  • She laid her job on the line when she told the boss that he was wrong

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: risk, put on the line

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: try, seek, attempt, essay, assay

Narrower terms: venture, hazard, adventure, stake, jeopardize, bell the cat

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.