pull your punches

Meaning: to hold back; to be less forceful than you could be.

Language: English

Literally: to pull your punches

Category: Daily Life

Origin: Boxing term from 1800s for deliberately weakening blows to avoid injuring an opponent.

More idioms — Daily Life

stick your oar in — to interfere in someone else's affairs; to meddle.
have an axe to grind — to have a personal grievance; hidden motives behind actions.
run rings around someone — to easily surpass someone; to be far superior in ability.
get the ball rolling — to start something; to initiate a process.
as tough as old boots — very strong; enduring; difficult to break.
head honcho — the person in charge; the leader.

spill the tea — to reveal gossip or scandalous information.
go belly up — to fail completely; to go bankrupt.
wear your heart on your sleeve — to display emotions openly; to be transparent about feelings.
mad as a box of frogs — completely crazy; chaotic and unpredictable.
bark up the wrong tree — to pursue a wrong course; to blame the wrong person.
have the wool pulled over your eyes — to be deceived or fooled.

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