World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesTo Pull Your Punches
/tuː pʊl jɔːr ˈpʌn.tʃɪz/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To restrain oneself from acting with full force or intensity, often in a figurative sense.
"In his critique, he really pulled his punches, avoiding harsh criticism of the project." - 2
To avoid being completely honest or direct in communication.
"She didn't pull her punches when discussing the team's performance."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
The phrase 'to pull your punches' originates from boxing terminology, where a fighter may hold back their strength or not hit as hard as they could. This usage dates back to the early 20th century, reflecting a broader metaphorical application in language to describe situations where someone is not fully honest or direct.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "To Pull Your Punches"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "To Pull Your Punches" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
Atténuer ses coups
Transliteration: Atenuer ses coups
"Il a atténué ses coups lors de la critique."
Die Schläge zurücknehmen
Transliteration: Die Schläge zurücknehmen
"Er hat seine Schläge bei der Kritik zurückgenommen."
Attenuare i colpi
Transliteration: Attenuare i colpi
"Ha attenuato i colpi nella sua critica."
Suavizar los golpes
Transliteration: Suavizar los golpes
"Él suavizó los golpes en su crítica."
Amortecer os golpes
Transliteration: Amortecer os golpes
"Ele amortecer os golpes em sua crítica."
अपनी ताकत को कम करना
Transliteration: Apni taakat ko kam karna
"उसने आलोचना में अपनी ताकत को कम किया।"
减轻攻击
Transliteration: Jiǎnqīng gōngjī
"他在批评中减轻了攻击。"
타격을 완화하다
Transliteration: Tagyeogeul wanhwahada
"그는 비판에서 타격을 완화했다."
パンチを和らげる
Transliteration: Panchi o yawarageru
"彼は批評でパンチを和らげた。"
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