The phrase no holds barred means that there are no restrictions or limits on what can be done or said. It originates from the sport of wrestling, where certain holds or moves are sometimes prohibited. When a match is declared no holds barred, it means that all moves are allowed, and there are no rules restricting the competitors.
In everyday usage, the term is often used to describe situations where anything goes, and there are no constraints. For example, a no holds barred debate would be one where participants can say anything they want without any restrictions.
This phrase is commonly used to emphasize that something is unrestricted, intense, or extreme. It can apply to various contexts, from sports to discussions, and even to business strategies.