这个短语也写作lay one's cards on the table,意思是\"Be open and honest, reveal one's position or intentions, to be completely straightforward and open; conceal nothing\",和汉语中经常使用的“摊牌”非常相似。
例句:John laid his cards on the table and told her how much they could afford.
约翰亮了底牌,告诉了她,他们付得起多少钱。