🗣️ lay your cards on the table
The Mental Picture
Connected to Games & Gambling. Picture a card player turning their hidden cards face-up onto the green felt table so every player can see their exact hand without mystery or bluffing.
🎧 How Fluent Speakers Use It
- "Let's stop playing games and lay our cards on the table: what is your absolute lowest price?"
- "She decided to lay her cards on the table and admit she was looking for a new job."
⚖️ Sound Natural
| ❌ Stilted / Direct L1 Translation | ✅ Natural Target Expression |
|---|---|
| "I will be completely honest and show all my secret plans." | "I'm going to lay my cards on the table." |
🧩 Quick Self-Test
Test Yourself
What changes when you "lay your cards on the table" in a negotiation?
Show Answer
You eliminate all secrecy and bluffing, revealing your true intentions, requirements, or feelings completely!