pull your punches

US /pʊl jʊər ˈpʌn.tʃɪz/
UK /pʊl jʊər ˈpʌn.tʃɪz/
"pull your punches" picture
1.

je inhouden, niet voluit gaan, je kritiek matigen

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.
De recensent hield zich niet in en bekritiseerde elk aspect van de film.
You need to tell him the truth; don't pull your punches.
Je moet hem de waarheid vertellen; houd je niet in.