To Pull No Punches 🥊
Definition:
Act without restraint; deliver criticism or opinions without holding back or softening the blow. The term originates from boxing, where to pull a punch means to deliver a blow that is intentionally ineffective by holding back deliberately.
Synonyms:
- Be candid
- Speak one’s mind
- Be straight
- Cut to the chase
Antonyms:
- Sugarcoat
- Beat around the bush
- Pull punches
- Hold back
Related Terms and Phrases:
- “Call a spade a spade” – To speak plainly or bluntly.
- “Let the chips fall where they may” – To let events unfold naturally, even if the results are not favorable.
- “No holds barred” – Without any restrictions.
- “Hit the nail on the head” – To be accurate or correct about something.
Humor-Filled Quote:
“Brutal honesty is always better than niceness that’s not genuine, or being tried for a thought crime. Back in the day, nobody pulled any punches, except on Dance Floor Disco night.” – Disco Dave 🌈💖
Proverb:
“When the truth hurts, at least make it funny.”
Literature, Books, and Movies:
- Book: “The Honest Truth about Dishonesty” by Dan Ariely – This one’s all about the human capacity for honesty.
- Movie: “Liar, Liar” – Starring Jim Carrey, this movie explores the chaos that honesty (or lack of lies) can wreak.
- Song: “Truth” by Alicia Keys – Where honesty is the best, if not most painful, policy.
- Poetry: Try anything by Dorothy Parker for a sharp tongue wrapped in poetry.
### "To pull no punches" means:
- [x] To be brutally honest
- [ ] To withdraw from a fight
- [ ] To pull your hand back during boxing
- [ ] To avoid conflict
> **Explanation:** When you pull no punches, you are brutally honest and forthright, as in delivering criticism or opinions without holding back.
### Which of these phrases means "to be bluntly honest"?
- [ ] Cry over spilled milk
- [x] Call a spade a spade
- [ ] Break the ice
- [ ] With a grain of salt
> **Explanation:** "Call a spade a spade" is an idiom meaning to speak plainly or bluntly about something.
### True or False: "To pull punches" means to avoid causing damage or pain.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Absolutely true! In boxing, pulling a punch means delivering a blow intentionally made less effective to avoid causing harm. Similarly, the phrase means to hold back in criticism or opinion.
### Which expression is synonymous with 'not holding back'?
- [x] No holds barred
- [ ] Spill the beans
- [ ] Let the cat out of the bag
- [ ] Sweep under the rug
> **Explanation:** "No holds barred" means no restrictions are in place, much like not holding back.
### Identify the incorrectly used idiom.
- [ ] He really pulls no punches with his critiques.
- [ ] Her brutal honesty often results in hurt feelings.
- [x] He always pulls punches and exaggerates for effect.
- [ ] They don't sugarcoat the truth.
> **Explanation:** "Pull punches" means to restrain from being too harsh, hence "exaggerates" wouldn't fit here. It's the opposite action from "pull no punches."
Farewell Thought: 🛤️ “Journey through life with honesty, treading a path unbridled by the fear of truth, but soften the steps where necessary to cushion the hearts you encounter.” 🌅
‘Lexi T. Convey’
