What does “No holds barred” mean?
"No holds barred" means that there are no restrictions or limitations.
What context can I use the in?
Example
They fought with no holds barred in the boxing match.
Example
The comedian's jokes were no holds barred, pushing the boundaries of what is considered appropriate.
Example
The company's new policy allows employees to be creative and innovative with no holds barred
Is “No holds barred” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“No holds barred” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “No holds barred” effectively in context?
You can use "No holds barred" to describe a situation where there are no restrictions or limitations. It emphasizes the idea of complete freedom and unrestricted action. For example, if two teams are competing fiercely in a sports match without any rules or limitations, you can say, 'They fought with "no holds barred" in the boxing match.'
- 1Sports
The athletes gave their all in the game, playing with no holds barred.
- 2Entertainment
The comedian's jokes were no holds barred, pushing the boundaries of what is considered appropriate.
- 3Work
The company's new policy allows employees to be creative and innovative with no holds barred.
Similar phrases to “No holds barred”:
Without any restrictions or limitations
Example
The artist had unrestricted access to the materials and could create freely.
All-out
With maximum effort and without holding back
Example
They gave an all-out performance, leaving everything on the stage.
Without any inhibitions or restraints
Example
She danced uninhibited at the party, not caring what others thought.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “No holds barred” come from?
The origin of the phrase "No holds barred" is unknown.
Is “No holds barred” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "No holds barred" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where there are no restrictions or limitations, emphasizing the idea of complete freedom and unrestricted action.
What tone does “No holds barred” have?
"No holds barred" conveys a tone of intensity and freedom. It suggests a situation where there are no limits or boundaries, allowing for unrestricted action or expression.
Can “No holds barred” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "No holds barred" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a situation without any restrictions or limitations. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They fought with "no holds barred" in the boxing match.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to go "no holds barred"!' to imply readiness for unrestricted action.
