短语 lay (or put) your cards on the table 的意思是摊牌,也就是开诚布公地把自己的思想、感情和意图说出来。
- I think it‘s time to lay your cards on the table. Tell me honestly why you don‘t like my new boyfriend.
- Sue laid her cards on the table and told her lecturer she was going to change her undergraduate degree.
值得注意的是,短语 to keep (or play) your cards close to your chest 的意思和上面讲的短语的意思完全相反。To keep (or play) your cards close to your chest 的意思是不露声色,守口如瓶,秘而不宣。
- Brian always keeps his cards close to his chest when it comes to his investments.