Definition

Verb (idiomatic): - To expose something valuable (such as one's job, reputation, money, or life) to a significant risk of loss or damage. It implies a conscious decision to put something important in jeopardy, often for a principle or a greater goal.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used to describe the act of risking something of great personal importance. It often conveys courage, sacrifice, or high stakes. - It is typically used with a direct object (what is being risked) placed between "lay" and "on the line." - Common objects include: job, career, reputation, money, life, neck.

Examples

• She laid her job on the line when she criticized the company's policy publicly. (She risked being fired.)
• The whistleblower laid his reputation on the line to expose the corruption. (He risked his good name.)
• Investors laid millions on the line for the new startup. (They risked losing millions of dollars.)

Advanced Usage / Nuances

• The phrase emphasizes the and nature of the risk. The subject is fully aware of the potential consequences.
• It often carries a tone of admiration for the person's bravery or a sense of the seriousness of the situation.
• "Put on the line" is a common and interchangeable variant (e.g., ).

Variants and Related Words

• Put on the line: A synonym with identical meaning and usage.
• Risk (verb): A more general synonym (e.g., ).
• Endanger: To put someone or something in a dangerous situation.
• Stake (verb): To gamble or risk something, especially money, on an outcome (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• Risk
• Jeopardize
• Hazard
• Imperil
• Stake

Related Idioms

• Go out on a limb: To take a risk by expressing an opinion or taking action that others might not support. (Focuses more on a vulnerable position rather than a concrete asset.)
• Bet the farm: To risk everything one has on a single venture. (Stronger, implying risking all one's resources.)
• Put one's neck on the line: A very similar idiom, specifically implying personal danger or blame.

Verb

1. expose to a chance of loss or damage
   • We risked losing a lot of money in this venture
   • Why risk your life?
   • She laid her job on the line when she told the boss that he was wrong