no-holds-barred

no holds barred

Having no restraints or restrictions. An allusion to wrestling, in which certain holds are disallowed. Usually used before a noun, in which case it is hyphenated. Her no-holds-barred interview of the president has been making waves across the nation. The play is a no-holds-barred indictment of religion. I could hear them arguing no holds barred.
See also: barred, hold, no
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

no-holds-barred

COMMON You use no-holds-barred to describe something which is done in a forceful or extreme way, without any limits. Jones had a no-holds-barred approach to the game of football. Note: This expression refers to a wrestling match in which many of the usual rules do not apply, and so competitors can hold their opponent in any way they like.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • biz
  • angle
  • angling
  • high
  • high, wide, and handsome
  • wear (one's) apron high
  • fire and brimstone
  • bummer
References in periodicals archive
'The 2019 election season proves to be a no-holds-barred occasion for Philippine political dynasties,' De Lima said.
The book, published by Juggernaut Books, is a no-holds-barred biographical portrait that looks for answers to lingering issues: from why Indira Gandhi revoked the Emergency to her son Sanjay's curious grip over her; and from her bad marriage and love affairs to her dangerous religious politics.
It is a sequel to my bestselling memoir Beautiful and a no-holds-barred account of the next chapter in my life, after leaving my parents' home.
Besic won't fall foul of Premier League refs By GREG O'KEEFFE favourite due to his no-holds-barred style, but his manager is confident he will be able to control himself when it counts.
So, where does a woman with a queen-sized taste in real estate go after living in no-holds-barred baronial splendor?
In response, the Republic of Ireland's recently appointed assistant-manager is planning a no-holds-barred attack on Ferguson and last week provided just a taster of what is to come, the report said.
The three-times world champion quickly apologised for his actions, only to effectively make light of his 'mea culpa' yesterday with a no-holds-barred attack on Webber and the team.
Hulk ITV1 Wales, today, 2.55pm Scientist Dr Bruce Banner turns into the rampaging green Hulk after exposure to a huge dose of gamma radiation, prompting the military to embark on a no-holds-barred mission to destroy the monster.
This is his first stand-up tour and audiences can expect a no-holds-barred insight into his fascinating life - and the many celebrities he's met along the way.
"Zoe Whittall might just possibly be the cockiest, brashest, funniest, toughest, most life-affirming, elegant, scruffy, no-holds-barred writer to emerge from Montreal since Mordecai Richler."--The Globe and Mail
write a no-holds-barred expose on rock star Stacee Jax (Cruise), but sleeps with him instead.
Summary: England's World Cup squad is to hold a no-holds-barred crisis meeting with manager Fabio Capello this evening, John Terry has revealed.
The series will see him do no-holds-barred comedy routines and sketches as well as setting up members of the public with devilish pranks.
IAIN DOWIE revealed he held a "no-holds-barred" meeting with the Hull players to remind them of how damaging relegation from the Premier League will be on the club and the area.