- pull punches
- also pull a punch phrasal to refrain from using all the force at one's disposal
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.
pull punches
Look at other dictionaries:
pull punches — pull (one s) punches [usu. with negative] be less forceful, severe, or violent than one could be a smooth tongued critic who doesn t pull his punches * * * pull punches : to express criticism in a mild or kind way usually used in negative… … Useful english dictionary
pull punches — talk nice, ease up, take it easy on you If the service is poor, he doesn t pull punches. He complains … English idioms
pull punches — pull (your/its) punches to deal with something in a way that is not completely honest. I want you to tell me what you think, and don t pull your punches. The film pulls its punches by making a disaster seem romantic. Opposite of: pull no punches… … New idioms dictionary
pull punches — ► pull (one s) punches limit the severity of one s criticism or aggression. Main Entry: ↑pull … English terms dictionary
pull punches (to) — Hold back, (boxing). ► “Mary Shapiro, . . . says she plans to quickly ‘send out some clear signals’ that her office won’t pull any punches in policing brokers and dealers.” (Wall Street Journal, Dec. 6, 1995, p. C1) … American business jargon
pull punches — idi a) to lessen the force of one s punches deliberately b) idi inf Informal. to restrain oneself from full action; hold back … From formal English to slang
pull punches — verb a) To avoid using a high level of force when punching. b) To word something delicately to avoid giving offense or inciting anger … Wiktionary
pull — ► VERB 1) exert force on (something) so as to move it towards oneself or the origin of the force. 2) remove by pulling. 3) informal bring out (a weapon) for use. 4) move steadily: the bus pulled away. 5) move oneself with effort or against… … English terms dictionary
pull a punch — phrasal see pull punches … New Collegiate Dictionary
pull one's punches — {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. Not to hit as hard as you can. * /Jimmy pulled his punches and let Paul win the boxing match./ 2. To hide unpleasant facts or make them seem good. Usually used in the negative. * /The mayor spoke bluntly; he didn t pull… … Dictionary of American idioms
