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Region: General | Usage example: He laid his cards on the table before the negotiations began.

Lay one's cards on the table

Meaning

Be honest and reveal your intentions.

Usage

Used in discussions where openness is encouraged.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Card games where players reveal their hands.

Used since the 1800s by gamblers and then politicians.

Related Idioms

Lay your cards on the table

Be honest about intentions.

Keep your cards close to your chest

Remain secretive about your plans.

House of cards

A fragile or precarious situation.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.