no-holds-barred
Without any limits
No-holds-barred describes something without restrictions or limits, especially a contest or confrontation where anything goes.
The phrase comes from wrestling, where certain holds may be forbidden—a no-holds-barred match allows all of them.
Now it applies broadly to aggressive, unrestricted activity: a no-holds-barred debate, no-holds-barred journalism.
Having no limitations
- uncensoredWithout removed content
- unregulatedNot controlled by rules
- cutthroatViciously competitive or murderous
- brutalSavagely harsh or severe
fierce · ruthless · aggressive · intense · merciless · relentless · savage · bloodsport
Hostile and confrontational
- cutthroatViciously competitive or murderous
- ruthlessLacking any compassion
- hostile takeoverUnwanted corporate buyout attempt
- predatoryExploiting the vulnerable
scorched-earth · winner-take-all · hardball · bare-knuckle · merciless · unscrupulous · dog-eat-dog · shark
Without removed content
- frankOpen and direct
- candidHonest and direct
- bluntDull or tactlessly direct
- outspokenFreely expressing opinions
unfiltered · raw · honest · confrontational · provocative · controversial · inflammatory · offensive
Without removed content
- explicitClearly and directly expressed
- unratedNot given a score
- X-ratedSexually explicit classification
- adultMature person, legally responsible
graphic · raw · gritty · transgressive · boundary-pushing · shocking · provocative · unflinching
unrestricted
Having no limitations
- uncensoredWithout removed content
- unregulatedNot controlled by rules
- cutthroatViciously competitive or murderous
brutal · fierce · ruthless · aggressive · intense · merciless · relentless · savage · bloodsport · street fight
aggressive
Hostile and confrontational
- cutthroatViciously competitive or murderous
- ruthlessLacking any compassion
- hostile takeoverUnwanted corporate buyout attempt
predatory · scorched-earth · winner-take-all · hardball · bare-knuckle · merciless · unscrupulous · dog-eat-dog · shark · bloodthirsty
uncensored
Without removed content
outspoken · unfiltered · raw · honest · confrontational · provocative · controversial · inflammatory · offensive · taboo-breaking
uncensored
Without removed content
- explicitClearly and directly expressed
- unratedNot given a score
- X-ratedSexually explicit classification
adult · graphic · raw · gritty · transgressive · boundary-pushing · shocking · provocative · unflinching · uncompromising
- aggressive tacticsblitz, blitzkrieg, frontal assault, offensive, attack mode
no-holds-barredrestricted
Limited in scope
regulated · rule-bound · constrained · controlled · by-the-book
hold, unlimited, unchecked, uninhibited, unfettered, unconstrained