☰
Contribute
Extractor
About
Updates
All Idiom Dictionaries
Try now
pull punches
Language:
en
1.
US
UK
Global
informal
idiomatic
To refrain from expressing the full force of one's criticism, opinion, or attack; to hold back.
To temper one's words or actions so as not to cause maximum hurt or impact.
2.
Global
neutral
literal
In boxing or fighting, to deliberately avoid hitting with full power.
Examples:
No examples available.
Validation Count:
0
Sourced from Wiktionary