To lay/put one's cards on the table Verb + object/complement
If you lay your cards on the table, you tell people about your plans, intentions, opinion or feelings, etc.in a clear honest way.
I think it's time I put my cards on the table, and tell you what I'm thinking about this problem.
He decided to lay his cards on the table.
If you lay your cards on the table, you tell people about your plans, intentions, opinion or feelings, etc.in a clear honest way.
The verb "lay/put" should be conjugated according to its tense.
A problem or difficult circumstance
I'm short-sighted, so forgetting my glasses is a real hair in the butter for my sight.