pull (one's) punches
To refrain from deploying all the resources or force at one's disposal

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

pull one's punches
to hold back in one's criticism, for a boxer to hit with light punches

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

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
Etymology: based on boxing, from the literal meaning of pull your punches (= to not hit the other fighter as hard as you can)

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

pull one's punches
to hold back in one's criticism, for a boxer to hit with light punches
The manager was not pulling his punches when he began to criticize his workers.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms 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 any punches.
Antonym: STRAIGHT PROM THE SHOULDER.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲