not pull your punches

not pull (one's) punches

1. To actually punch someone, when one was supposed to pretend to. I want to make the scene realistic, so don't pull your punches next time!2. By extension, to not restrict or constrain one's commentary or criticism of someone or something, to the point or being potentially offensive or tactless. I want your honest opinion of my story—don't pull your punches! Wow, your aunt really doesn't pull her punches. Is my sweatshirt really that ugly?See also: not, pull, punch

not pull your punches

or

pull no punches

COMMON If someone does not pull their punches or pulls no punches, they state facts or opinions directly, without trying not to upset people. He had never lied to me in the past and he didn't pull his punches now. He told me that in his opinion, Robin would be dead in nine months. He pulls no punches in his attacks on the government's foreign policy. Note: If boxers pull their punches, they do not hit their opponent as hard as they could do. See also: not, pull, punch