How to Pronounce "gloves are off"
expression
ˈɡɫəvz/ /ˈɑɹ/, /ɝ/ /ˈɔf
GLUVZ-ar-AWF or GLUVZ-ur-AWF
ɡlˈʌvz/ /ɛə/ /ˈɒf
glUVZ-air-OF
Definition
This expression means people will stop being polite and are ready for a direct or even aggressive confrontation, especially after a conflict has become serious.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɡɫəvz/ /ˈɑɹ/, /ɝ/ /ˈɔf
British English
ɡlˈʌvz/ /ɛə/ /ˈɒf
Simplified Pronunciation
US
GLUVZ-ar-AWF or GLUVZ-ur-AWF
UK
glUVZ-air-OF
Listen in Context
After the argument, the gloves are off between the two teams.
The gloves are off in this election campaign now.
When the manager shouted, it was clear the gloves are off.
You can tell the gloves are off when both sides start attacking each other personally.