Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
to lay on the line

to lay on the line

8 8.0
To risk losing something important, like your job or your reputation
  • phrasal verb
  • Informal
translation icon : arriesgar
  • You laid it all on the line for me.
  • lay your life on the line
  • willing to lay it on the line

Examples

  • I'll lay it on the line.

    One, Two, Three (1961)

  • Every knight here has laid his life on the line for you.

    King Arthur (2004)

  • I want to be ready to make that play, to lay it on the line.

    Blog text (11)

  • Since this is my final story, I'll lay it on the line.

    Switching Channels (1988)

  • Well, then, I'll lay it on the line for you.

    The Jungle Book (1967)

  • I'll lay it on the line for you.

    Breakout (1975)

  • I couldn't be more proud of the guys in this locker room for laying it on the line.

    Blog text (3)

  • I really enjoy watching Froch; he really lays it all on the line.

    Blog text (7)

  • Correct me if I am wrong, but when you are racing for a championship, aren't you supposed to lay it all on the line by being aggressive and racing hard when necessary?

    Blog text (31)

  • The athlete knows that in order to win the championship, he has to lay on the line his reputation.

Synonyms

to risk
vsto lay on the line
∞ 3.0

To do something that may cause harm or lead to loss

refers specifically to risking loss of valued items like job or reputation
to jeopardize
vsto lay on the line
  • US
191 6.3

Put someone or something in danger of harm

focuses on risking loss of important personal things rather than causing danger
to lay it on the line
vsto lay on the line
  • Informal
3 7.8

To speak honestly and directly, even if it may cause trouble

involves risking important losses rather than only frank speech
to run a risk
vsto lay on the line
2 3.0

To do something that might lead to harm or loss

typically means risking important possessions or status rather than any small chance
to put one's ass on the line
vsto lay on the line
  • Offensive
1 9.9

To take a big risk to help another person or group

is similar but is more neutral and not necessarily for others
to put on the line
vsto lay on the line
1 6.4

Risk something important, like money, life, or reputation

is the same meaning but used as the key phrase form

Antonyms

to play it safe
42 3.4

Choose a careful option to avoid risks

to hold back
16 3.5

Wait before doing something because you feel unsure

How Risky

to risk
∞ 3.0
to lay on the line
  • Informal
8 8.0
to stake
56 5.3
gamble
65 3.5
bet
665 1.4

Surface Forms

lay on the line infinitive
laying on the line present participle
lays on the line third person singular
laid on the line past
laid on the line past participle

Morphology

lay + on + the + line

The meaning 'to risk losing something' is motivated by a metaphorical extension of 'lay' (to place) + 'line' (a boundary or critical point), so knowing the constituents gives a partial clue that something is being put at stake. However, the specific sense 'to risk/stand to lose reputation or money' is idiomatic and not fully predictable from the literal words, so a B1 learner may not reliably infer it without prior exposure.

Etymology

The expression lay on the line may come from old gambling tables: players would lay money on the line at the table to show a bet, and they could lose those stakes if they lost the game. That's why it means 'to risk losing something important'.