pull your punches
US /pʊl jʊər ˈpʌn.tʃɪz/
UK /pʊl jʊər ˈpʌn.tʃɪz/
1.
to hold back or limit the force of one's criticism or actions
:
•
The reviewer didn't pull any punches, criticizing every aspect of the film.
•
You need to tell him the truth; don't pull your punches.