Take your gloves off Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈteɪk/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈɡɫəvz/ /ˈɔf

TAYK your GLUHVZ AWF

UK

tˈeɪk/ /jˈɔː/ /ɡlˈʌvz/ /ˈɒf

TAYK yaw GLUVZ OFF

Definition

Literally, to remove gloves from your hands. Figuratively, it means to stop being gentle or polite and to act more direct or aggressive, especially in a conflict or competition.

Usage & Nuances

The figurative use is especially common in sports, business, or arguments to signal that someone will no longer be gentle or hold back. Used mostly in informal or semi-formal settings. "Take the gloves off" (plural, without "your") is also common, especially in headlines.

• Spanish: quitarse los guantes - dejar de ser suave (figurado)
• Portuguese (BR): tirar as luvas - deixar de ser gentil (figurado)
• Portuguese (PT): tirar as luvas - deixar de ser gentil (figurado)
• Chinese (Simplified): 脱下手套 - 不再温和（比喻）
• Chinese (Traditional): 脫下手套 - 不再溫和（比喻）
• Hindi: अपने दस्ताने उतारना - अब नरम न रहना (रूपक रूप से)
• Arabic: انزع قفازاتك - لم تعد لطيفًا (مجازي)
• Bengali: দস্তানা খুলে ফেলা
• Russian: снять перчатки
• Japanese: 手袋を脱ぐ - 遠慮せずに本気を出す
• Vietnamese: cởi găng tay ra
• Korean: 장갑을 벗다
• Turkish: eldivenlerini çıkarmak
• Urdu: دستانے اتارنا
• Indonesian: melepas sarung tangan

Example Sentences

Please take your gloves off before eating.

basic

It's time to take your gloves off and start working hard.

basic

The coach told us to take our gloves off in the second half.

basic

If they want a fight, I'm ready to take my gloves off.

natural

After months of negotiation, both sides decided to take their gloves off.

natural

You were being so polite before, but now you’ve really taken your gloves off!

natural