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

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

  • There was a time when, if a person got sick, he went to his trusted family doctor, and put cash on the barrelhead.

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

  • Their decision to put cash on the line is a strong vote of confidence in the foundation being laid for America’s recovery.

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

  • She was very mad. She put it on the line and we have no doubt about what she meant.