hauls off
Prepares to punch
Hauls off means to draw back before striking or to prepare for forceful action: He hauled off and punched the guy.
The phrase suggests a wind-up motion, pulling back to generate momentum.
It can extend to verbal attacks: She hauled off and told him exactly what she thought of him.
- rears backMoves suddenly backward
- lash outAttack abruptly in anger
- goes ballisticLoses control explosively
- wind upReach a final state
- draws backMoves rearward in retreat
react · ready · brace · yank · prepare · position · storms out · target · lunge · let fly · lets loose · aim · pull · erupt · retaliate · hits back · poise · jerk
physical action/striking
hauls offholds back
Restrains or delays
hesitates · flinches · backs down · jabs · taps