with the gloves off

Idioms  

1. With or ready to dispense rough treatment, as in Prepared to oppose the council, the mayor marched into the meeting with the gloves off. This idiom alludes to old-style boxing, when gloves were not used. [Early 1800s]

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Example Sentences

Netflix’s ‘Our Planet’: Think of this new documentary led by the familiar, gracefully authoritative voice of naturalist David Attenborough as “Planet Earth” with the gloves off.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2019

So she seeks out supporting player roles — in “Bachelorette,” a “Bridesmaids” with the gloves off; in “Now You See Me,” a magicians’ heist picture opening at the end of the month; and in “Gatsby.”

From Seattle Times • May 17, 2013

The critics loved it, with What's on Stage describing it as "opera with the gloves off".

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2011

On this final of three debates all three men seemed pugnacious, combative — fighting for very high stakes with the gloves off.

From New York Times • Apr. 29, 2010

When allowance is made for the personal bias of the talented author who fights both governor and bishop "with the gloves off," the book remains an authority of the first rank.

From A History of the English Church in New Zealand by Purchas, H. T. (Henry Thomas)