ENGLISH
REFERENCE

put one's cards on the table

idiom
Meaning

To reveal one's true intentions, beliefs, feelings, or other previously concealed facts about one's situation; to speak frankly.


Examples
SIMPLE

It is time to put your cards on the table.

CONTEXTUAL

During the meeting, the manager finally put her cards on the table about the company's financial problems.

COMPLEX

Rather than continuing with these vague negotiations, he decided to put his cards on the table and explain exactly what he expected from the partnership.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

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