lay it on the line
US /leɪ ɪt ɑn ðə laɪn/
UK /leɪ ɪt ɑn ðə laɪn/
1.
to speak frankly and directly about something, often something difficult or unpleasant
:
•
I had to lay it on the line to him about his poor performance.
•
The manager decided to lay it on the line to the team about the company's financial struggles.