Wiktionary
lay on the line
vb. 1 (context idiomatic transitive English) To state strongly, clearly, and accurately. 2 (context idiomatic transitive English) To risk.
WordNet
lay on the line
v. expose to a chance of loss or damage; "We risked losing a lot of money in this venture"; "Why risk your life?" [syn: risk, put on the line]
Usage examples of "lay on the line".
For those who want me to lay on the line precisely where I stand, I am a qualified realist in the historical relativist tradition.