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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Lay your cards on the table

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

To state your thoughts, intentions or position openly and honestly.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. Let me lay my cards on the table: I can help on Saturday, but not on Sunday.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

To state your thoughts, intentions or position openly and honestly.
Show the answer

Lay your cards on the table — To state your thoughts, intentions or position openly and honestly.

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Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Lay your cards on the table” about your own life.

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

To state your thoughts, intentions or position openly and honestly.

Compare: Let me lay my cards on the table: I can help on Saturday, but not on Sunday.

Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

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More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use it when making your position clear during a discussion or negotiation. It suits conversational work and personal situations.

More examples in context

  • She laid her cards on the table and explained why the deadline was unrealistic.
  • We will make more progress if everyone lays their cards on the table.

Usage note

The past tense is laid, not layed. “Put your cards on the table” is a variation. Being open does not require sharing unrelated private information.

A short conversation

A: Can you commit to both workshops?
B: I will lay my cards on the table: I only have time for one.
A: Thanks for being clear. We can plan around that.

One more practice question

Who lays their cards on the table?

A. Someone who hides their true position throughout the discussion.
B. Someone who honestly explains their position and intentions.

Check your answer

B. The idiom describes openness about what you think or intend.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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