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Difference between Lay cash on the barrelhead and Lay cash on the line

lay cash on the barrelhead—(also: put cash on the barrelhead) pay money at the time of the transaction:

  • It remains to be seen whether the Russians are ready to lay cash on the barrelhead.

lay cash on the line —(also: put cash on the line) allocate money; make a financial commitment:

  • You’re not about to lay cash on the line without decent answers to a question or two.

Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase lay it on the line—(coll.) speak out firmly and frankly (also: put it on the line):

  • I’ll lay it on the line for you, if you like. Are you thinking of asking my girl to marry you?