pull one's punches
Soften the blow
To pull one's punches is to hold back, to restrain the force of criticism or attack.
From boxing, where a fighter might deliberately soften blows.
Almost always appears in the negative: She doesn't pull her punches when reviewing bad restaurants.
Someone who doesn't pull punches speaks bluntly, without diplomatic softening.
- sugarcoatMake something seem pleasanter
- hold backPrevent forward movement
- hold one's fireRefrain from shooting
- tactfulSocially sensitive and careful
- restrainLimit freedom of movement
bite one's tongue · soften · ease up · diplomatic · go easy · take it easy · spare · tone down · euphemize · downplay · mollify · soft-pedal · temper · measured · relent · considerate · mitigate · lighten
pull one's punchesgo for the jugular
Exploit maximum vulnerability
go all out · hold nothing back · let someone have it · pull no punches · go for broke
pull one's punchesnot mince words
tell it like it is · pull no punches · lay it on the line · call a spade a spade · let someone have it
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