put one's cards on the table
To reveal one's true intentions, beliefs, feelings, or other previously concealed facts about one's situation; to speak frankly.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“It is time to put your cards on the table.”
“During the meeting, the manager finally put her cards on the table about the company's financial problems.”
“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.”
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 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”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026