Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
to pull your punches
idiom
/tə pʊl jʊr ˈpʌnʧɪz/
Definition
To be less aggressive or forceful than you could be, especially in criticism or competition.
Examples
- During the meeting, she didn’t pull her punches and spoke frankly about the team’s performance.
- He tends to pull his punches when discussing his rival to maintain a sense of professionalism.
Meaning
This idiom is used when someone holds back on their full capabilities or expressions, often to avoid hurting someone’s feelings or to be less confrontational.
Synonyms
- To hold back
- To soften
- To be diplomatic
