PULL ONE'S PUNCHES

{v. phr.}, {informal} 1. Not to hit as hard as you can. * /Jimmy pulled his punches and let Paul win the boxing match./ 2. To hide unpleasant facts or make them seem good. - Usually used in the negative. * /The mayor spoke bluntly; he didn't pull any punches./ Contrast: STRAIGHT PROM THE SHOULDER.