lay on the line

lay on the line or put on the line  {v. phr.},  {informal}

1. To pay or offer to pay.

The sponsors had to lay nearly a million dollars on the line to keep the show on TV.

The bank is putting $5,000 on the line as a reward to anyone who catches the robber.

Compare: PUT UP.

2. To say plainly so that there can be no doubt; tell truthfully,

I'm going to lay it on the line for you, Paul. You must work harder if you want to pass.

3. To take a chance of losing; risk.

The champion is laying his title on the line in the fight tonight.