Antonyms for the phrase "laid it on the line" include soft-pedaled, sugarcoated, euphemized, minimized, and avoided the truth. When someone is hesitant to confront the facts or downplays the gravity of a situation, they are avoiding laying it all out there. Soft-pedaling a message may seem like a kind gesture, but it is not always the best course of action. Being honest and truthful, even if it is uncomfortable, can lead to better communication and understanding. It is essential to use candor and/or diplomacy when communicating important information. Therefore, instead of avoiding the truth, it's suggested to discuss it with openness and transparency.