on the block

Idioms  

1. . Offer for sale, as in These paintings will all be put on the block . This usage alludes to the auction block, the platform from which the auctioneer sells, so called since the mid-1800s.

2. put one's head on the block . Take a great risk, make oneself vulnerable, as in I'm not going to put my head on the block just to save her reputation . This usage alludes to the executioner's block, on which victims are beheaded, so called since the mid-1500s.

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Example Sentences

I assume my position on the block, feel its roughness under my feet, and press my goggles to my eyes.

From Literature

Tina de los Reyes lives next door to the property and said life on the block felt typical for the neighborhood.

From Los Angeles Times

The police truck idled for a moment before reversing down the street, drawing a round of applause from the crowd that had formed on the block.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s also the new kid on the block.

From MarketWatch

West Africa is like the new kid on the block.

From BBC