# pull one's punches

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/pull-ones-punches
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Alternative form of pull punches.

## Examples

- Don't pull your punches when you give me feedback.
- The critic did not pull her punches when she wrote the review of the new movie.
- In the final debate, the candidate refused to pull his punches and directly attacked his opponent's record.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.