Lay it on the line
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Strong Emphasis
Used to emphasize the seriousness of the conversation or the truth being told. 
I need to lay it on the line: your performance has not been good enough.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential Discomfort
The phrase often precedes information that might be hard for the listener to hear. 
To lay it on the line, your attitude has been causing problems.
Pro Tip 3/3No Sugarcoating
The speaker is being direct, not softening the message. 
She's going to lay it on the line about the team's future.