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How to Pronounce "pull punches"

expression

ˈpʊɫ/ /ˈpəntʃɪz
PUL PUN-chiz
pˈʊl/ /pˈʌntʃɪz
PUL PUN-chiz

Definition

To make your criticism or opinion less harsh or direct, or to hold back from saying everything you really think; originally, to hit someone less hard deliberately.

IPA Transcription

American English

ˈpʊɫ/ /ˈpəntʃɪz

British English

pˈʊl/ /pˈʌntʃɪz

Simplified Pronunciation

US

PUL PUN-chiz

UK

PUL PUN-chiz

Listen in Context

Please don't pull punches when you give me feedback.

The teacher didn't pull punches and told us exactly what was wrong.

She decided to pull her punches in the interview to not embarrass anyone.

You don't have to pull your punches—I want the truth, even if it's hard to hear.