comes out swinging
Starts fighting hard
To come out swinging is to begin a confrontation or competition with immediate aggression or forceful action, like a boxer throwing punches from the opening bell.
The phrase suggests refusing to play defense: She came out swinging in the debate, attacking her opponent's record before he could speak.
Often implies surprising intensity or refusal to be intimidated.
- attackAggressive act against another
- gloves offFighting without restraint
- boxingCombat sport using fists
- bare knuckleWithout protective hand coverings
- argumentReasoned case or dispute
resolve · sparring · strike · debate · retaliate · tenacity · courage · activism · boldness · fortitude · clash · charge · guns blazing · campaigning · lunge · grit · perseverance · full throttle
comes out swingingholds back
Restrains or delays
hangs back · tests the waters · treads lightly · holds fire · bides one's time
comes out swingingbacks down
Withdraws from confrontation
rolls over · capitulates · caves · yields · concedes
comes out swingingbacks down
Withdraws from confrontation
retreats · holds back · rolls over · shrinks back · cowers
come, comes, coming, outs, outing, outermost, swing, swings, swinging