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Glite Dictionary
to put cards on the table

to put cards on the table

3 4.6
To be completely open and honest about your plans or feelings
  • idiom
translation icon : poner las cartas sobre la mesa
  • Then one day we had a conversation where she was forced to put her cards on the table, and she said everything that troubled her.
  • Let's put cards on the table

Examples

  • It's time to put our cards on the table and discuss our plans honestly.

  • "It's time to put our cards on the table.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • Finally, I would like to put my cards on the table and would be very happy if others were to do the same.

    Blog text (31)

  • Let's put our cards on the table.

    Ninotchka (1939)

  • Before I sign, um, since we're putting all of our cards on the table, there's something you should know.

    Rock and Roll: The Early Days (1984)

  • She opted to put all the cards on the table at once.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • After weeks of secretive meetings, the committee decided to put their cards on the table regarding their intentions.

  • If we want to move forward, we need to put our cards on the table and share our true feelings.

Synonyms

to open up
vsto put cards on the table
  • Informal
149 2.9

Begin to talk honestly about your thoughts and feelings

is fully honest about intentions, plans, and feelings rather than just starting to talk
to lay it on the line
vsto put cards on the table
  • Informal
3 7.8

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

is fully open about intentions, plans, and feelings rather than only direct statements
to play all one's cards
vsto put cards on the table
  • Informal
6.9

To show all your plans and what you can do

is honest openness about intentions, plans, or feelings rather than strategic disclosure

How Open

to put cards on the table
3 4.6
to come clean
  • Informal
92 4.1
to open up
  • Informal
149 2.9
to hold back
108 4.2
to hide
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

put cards on the table infinitive
put cards on the table past
put cards on the table past participle
putting cards on the table present participle
puts cards on the table third person singular

Morphology

put + cards + on + the + table

The components produce a clear literal image (placing playing cards on a table) which can metaphorically map to revealing one’s position or intentions because cards in games disclose information. However, the metaphorical extension from a physical act to the abstract sense of being completely open is not fully predictable for learners who only know the words, so while hints exist (and similar metaphors occur cross-linguistically), prior exposure helps.

Etymology

Put cards on the table comes from card games: if you lay your cards face up on the table, everyone can see your hand. So to put cards on the table means to be 'open and honest' about your plans or feelings.