To lay one’s cards on the table 或 to put one’s cards on the table 為同義成語,意為「攤牌;(把想法和意圖) 和盤托出」。這兩個成語可追溯到至少 1800 年代,係源於撲克牌遊戲,因為贏家都要將手中的牌攤開放在桌上 (但肯定不必像電影那樣漂亮地攤牌),才能證明自己獲勝。這裡的 lay 意為「放下,平放」,過去式和過去分詞都是 laid,現在分詞為 laying。此外,成語中的 cards 為固定用法,須用複數。
例句:
- If you want to discuss this matter with me, you must lay your cards on the table. (如果你想要跟我討論這件事,你必須開誠布公)
- We can only reach agreement if we both put our cards on the table. (我們雙方只有攤開來說才能達成協議)
- Amy thought it was time she laid her cards on the table, so she told her husband that she decided to divorce him. (艾美認為攤牌的時候到了,於是她告訴她先生,她決定跟他離婚)