pull punches

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pull punches

Where it comes from

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

verb pulls punches · pulling punches · pulled punches · pull one's punches

To avoid using a high level of force when punching. Traditionally on Okinawa (if 'traditionally' is the right word to use), protectors had been worn during sparring practise because the trainees believed that, to be effective, one should not train to pull punches.
figuratively, in the negative To act with reserve; especially, to word something delicately to avoid giving offense or inciting anger. Near-synonym: mince words
Similar: hold back, mince words

Translations

Every language

verb to avoid using all one's strength when punching

Français	retenir ses coups

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MLA

"pull punches." Wiktionary, via Micwyn, micwyn.com/word/pull%20punches. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

APA

pull punches. (n.d.). In Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Retrieved November 6, 2026, from https://micwyn.com/word/pull%20punches

Chicago

"pull punches." Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://micwyn.com/word/pull%20punches.

BibTeX

@misc{pull_punches_2026,
  title = {pull punches},
  howpublished = {Wiktionary, via Micwyn},
  year = {2026},
  url = {https://micwyn.com/word/pull%20punches},
  urldate = {2026-11-06}
}