no holds barred
The phrase "no holds barred" originates from professional wrestling, where it referred to matches with no restrictions on moves, and it has since been adopted into general language to describe unrestricted scenarios.
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🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(informal)Without any restrictions or limitations.
Example
- The debate was no holds barred, with each candidate free to speak their mind.
- In a no holds barred competition, participants can use any strategy to win.
B2Figurative
(informal)Completely unrestrained or fiercely competitive.
Example
- Their argument turned into a no holds barred confrontation.
- The interview was no holds barred, with tough questions and candid answers.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "no holds barred":
take no prisonersall bets are offall outfull outflat outbare knuckleballs to the wallno strings attachedfree reinfull speed aheadfull throttle