no holds barred

Having no restraints or restrictions. An allusion to wrestling, in which certain holds are disallowed. Usually used before a noun, in which case it is hyphenated. Her no-holds-barred interview of the president has been making waves across the nation. The play is a no-holds-barred indictment of religion. I could hear them arguing no holds barred.

no-holds-barred

COMMON You use no-holds-barred to describe something which is done in a forceful or extreme way, without any limits. Jones had a no-holds-barred approach to the game of football. Note: This expression refers to a wrestling match in which many of the usual rules do not apply, and so competitors can hold their opponent in any way they like.

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

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References in periodicals archive

'The 2019 election season proves to be a no-holds-barred occasion for Philippine political dynasties,' De Lima said.

De Lima: 2019 polls a 'no-holds-barred occasion' for PH political dynasties

The book, published by Juggernaut Books, is a no-holds-barred biographical portrait that looks for answers to lingering issues: from why Indira Gandhi revoked the Emergency to her son Sanjay's curious grip over her; and from her bad marriage and love affairs to her dangerous religious politics.

Vidya Balan to play Indira Gandhi

It is a sequel to my bestselling memoir Beautiful and a no-holds-barred account of the next chapter in my life, after leaving my parents' home.

Life's turned out all write

Besic won't fall foul of Premier League refs By GREG O'KEEFFE favourite due to his no-holds-barred style, but his manager is confident he will be able to control himself when it counts.

Besic won't fall foul of Premier League refs

So, where does a woman with a queen-sized taste in real estate go after living in no-holds-barred baronial splendor?

Downsizing is all a matter of perspective

In response, the Republic of Ireland's recently appointed assistant-manager is planning a no-holds-barred attack on Ferguson and last week provided just a taster of what is to come, the report said.

Ex-Man U captain Roy Keane indicates Fergie has told lies in 'new autobiography'

The three-times world champion quickly apologised for his actions, only to effectively make light of his 'mea culpa' yesterday with a no-holds-barred attack on Webber and the team.

Horner denies he's being undermined; FORMULA ONE

Hulk ITV1 Wales, today, 2.55pm Scientist Dr Bruce Banner turns into the rampaging green Hulk after exposure to a huge dose of gamma radiation, prompting the military to embark on a no-holds-barred mission to destroy the monster.

MOVIES

This is his first stand-up tour and audiences can expect a no-holds-barred insight into his fascinating life - and the many celebrities he's met along the way.

Confession time; Stand-up humour

"Zoe Whittall might just possibly be the cockiest, brashest, funniest, toughest, most life-affirming, elegant, scruffy, no-holds-barred writer to emerge from Montreal since Mordecai Richler."--The Globe and Mail

Zoe Whittall

write a no-holds-barred expose on rock star Stacee Jax (Cruise), but sleeps with him instead.

Adams has 'Rock Of Ages' role

The series will see him do no-holds-barred comedy routines and sketches as well as setting up members of the public with devilish pranks.

AMOS SEE TV

IAIN DOWIE revealed he held a "no-holds-barred" meeting with the Hull players to remind them of how damaging relegation from the Premier League will be on the club and the area.

Dowie spells out the hard truth to cosseted stars