Phrase guide

pull punches

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To avoid using a high level of force when punching.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To act with reserve; especially, to word something delicately to avoid giving offense or inciting anger.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

Examples

  • Near-synonym: mince words
  • I did not pull any punches when I told them my thoughts.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: hold back, mince words

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Originally from boxing. First use appears c. the 1920s.

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: olla lyömättä kovaa — to avoid using all one's strength when punching
  • French: retenir ses coups — to avoid using all one's strength when punching
  • Hungarian: kesztyűs kézzel bánik — to avoid using all one's strength when punching
  • Polish: łagodzić uderzenie — to avoid using all one's strength when punching
  • Polish: złagodzić uderzenie — to avoid using all one's strength when punching
  • Bulgarian: ме́ря си ду́мите (mérja si dúmite) — to word something delicately to avoid giving offense or inciting anger
  • Bulgarian: ме́ря си при́казките (mérja si príkazkite) — to word something delicately to avoid giving offense or inciting anger
  • Bulgarian: ме́ря си ези́ка (mérja si ezíka) — to word something delicately to avoid giving offense or inciting anger