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
“Jalen’s a curious guy, he asks questions, he’s awesome. Unbelievable conversations. We would talk about everything — politics, relationships, you name it. It was like no holds barred, just open, honest conversations.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 21, 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.
