no holds barred
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"We understand our drivers, there's no holds barred in conversations and I think you get that from mutual respect."
From BBC • May 2, 2026
Yes, they're all just letting their freak flags fly, no holds barred.
From Salon • Nov. 20, 2023
"On any given day, I might be scared of Arnold, but when I get to play Barry, it’s no holds barred, and I get to hold him accountable," said Carter.
From Reuters • May 23, 2023
Beyoncé doesn’t care if you’re mad on this album, and there are plenty of moments where she’s shooting you down with no holds barred.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 29, 2022
Spoade was the world’s champion sitter-around, no holds barred and gouging discretionary.
From "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
