The idiom "take the gloves off" means to stop being polite or gentle and start being aggressive or confrontational. It is often used when someone has been trying to be diplomatic or avoid conflict, but then decides to confront the situation head-on.
For example, imagine a group of coworkers are discussing a project and one person keeps making unreasonable demands. Another coworker might say, "Okay, it's time to take the gloves off. We need to talk about what's really possible and what's not."
The phrase comes from the idea of boxing or fighting with gloves on, which is a more controlled and restrained form of combat. When someone takes their gloves off, they are indicating that they are no longer holding back and are willing to fight more aggressively.
Overall, "take the gloves off" is a colorful and memorable way to describe a shift in tone or approach towards a more confrontational or assertive stance.
• After losing the first game, the coach decided to take the gloves off and give his team a pep talk.
• As tensions escalated between the two countries, the president decided to take the gloves off and launch a preemptive strike.
• I'm tired of being nice to my boss all the time. It's time to take the gloves off and tell him what I really think.
• The politician had been holding back during the debate, but when his opponent started attacking his character, he decided to take the gloves off and fight back.
• The CEO was tired of playing nice with the competition. It was time to take the gloves off and show them who was boss.
• After years of being manipulated by her ex-husband, she finally decided to take the gloves off and fight for what was rightfully hers.