[lay] {sth} on the line

to put something valuable or important at risk, often with the intention of assisting or helping someone

The origin of the idiom "lay someone or something on the line" is not well-documented, but it likely comes from the imagery of someone placing something of value or importance on a line or the line of risk, symbolizing a commitment or sacrifice in a situation. The phrase is used figuratively to describe an act of risking or sacrificing something significant for a particular goal or principle.

The coach decided to lay his reputation on the line by benching the star player for disciplinary reasons.
The whistleblower courageously laid her career on the line to expose corporate misconduct.
The politician was willing to lay his political future on the line to champion a controversial but necessary policy.
In the high-stakes negotiation, both sides were ready to lay their demands on the line to reach a compromise.
The firefighter was prepared to lay his life on the line to save people trapped in a burning building, showing incredible bravery.

同义词：

risk put on the line