lay on the line

lay on the line or put on the line  {v. phr.},  {informal}

1. Платить или предлагать плату.

The sponsors had to lay nearly a million dollars on the line to keep the show on TV.

The bank is putting $5,000 on the line as a reward to anyone who catches the robber.

Ср.: PUT UP.

2. Говорить ясно. Так, что не может возникнуть сомнений; говорить откровенно.

I'm going to lay it on the line for you, Paul. You must work harder if you want to pass.

3. Рисковать потерей чего-л. ("Ставить на карту" что-л.); рисковать.

The champion is laying his title on the line in the fight tonight.