pull punches
The phrase "pull punches" originates from boxing and is used both literally and figuratively to describe holding back force or intensity.
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Definition
B2Boxing
(literal)To intentionally reduce the force of a blow.
Example
- The boxer decided to pull his punches to avoid injuring his sparring partner.
B2General
(figurative)To hold back from being fully direct or forceful in speech or action.
Example
- She didn't pull any punches during the meeting and voiced her concerns directly.
- The review pulled no punches, critiquing every aspect of the performance.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "pull punches":
punch outride with the punchesgut punchone-two punchtake off one's glovescop outcenter punchpunch frontpunching bagcut cornerspunched out