The idiom "no holds barred" means that there are no rules or restrictions in a situation, and anything goes. It is often used to describe a situation where people are free to do whatever they want, without any limitations or constraints.
For example, if two people are having an argument and one of them says "let's have a no holds barred debate," it means that they are willing to discuss the issue without any restrictions or limitations. They are willing to say whatever they want, no matter how controversial or offensive it may be.
The term "no holds barred" comes from the sport of wrestling, where it refers to a match where there are no rules or restrictions. Wrestlers are free to use any technique or move they want, including those that are normally banned or considered dangerous.
In everyday language, "no holds barred" can be used to describe any situation where there are no rules or restrictions. It is often used in a figurative sense, rather than a literal one, to describe a situation where people are free to express themselves without any limitations.
• I told my friend to play no holds barred in the game of tag.
• The boxing match was no holds barred, allowing the fighters to use any technique to win.
• My aunt always speaks her mind with no holds barred, which can be intimidating.
• The local newspaper published a no holds barred exposé on corruption in the city government.
• The author's memoir was a no holds barred account of their tumultuous life, revealing deeply personal experiences.
• The two candidates debated with no holds barred, attacking each other's policies and records.
• There were no holds barred in the competition, everyone played fair.
• The two countries engaged in a no holds barred trade war.
• The two boxers entered the ring ready for a no holds barred fight, with no rules or restrictions.
• The journalist conducted a no holds barred interview with the controversial politician.
• They had a no holds barred discussion about the company's future plans.
• The coach told the team that in the upcoming match, there would be no holds barred.