lay it on the line informal: to speak very honestly and directly to someone ▪ Let me lay it on the line (to/for you): if your work doesn't improve, you'll be fired.
(informal) to tell somebody clearly what you think, especially when they will not like what you say The manager laid it on the line—some people would have to lose their jobs.
a) to state something, especially a threat, demand, or criticism, in a very clear way: Lay it on the line and tell them what's really been happening.
b) also 'put somebody/something on the line'- to risk losing your life, your job etc, especially in order to help someone: I've laid myself on the line for him once already.