這是一個源于拳擊運動的表達。在拳擊時 pull your punches 意思是出拳有所保留，手下留情，不傷到對手。現(xiàn)實生活中，人們用這個短語來形容對他人的批評有所保留，不傷到對方的自尊心。這個短語往往以否定形式出現(xiàn)，以表達“不要留情面”。
例句
The report didn’t pull any punches in its criticism of the journalists' behaviour.
I don’t want you to pull any punches. Tell me honestly what you thought of my essay.
請注意
如果什么東西 packs a punch，意思就是力度大、有沖擊力，效果強烈。
例句
Wow, that cocktail really packs a punch. How much vodka did you put in?
His photos really pack a punch. They graphically capture the horror and misery of war.
