No holds barred
adjective
Without any limits, restrictions, or controls.
They gave a no holds barred party where anything could happen.
Often appears as...
- no holds barred match
- no holds barred fight
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adverb
In an unlimited or unrestricted way.
He criticized the president no holds barred.
Often appears as...
- criticize no holds barred
- attack no holds barred
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adjective
Without any limits, restrictions, or controls.
They gave a no holds barred party where anything could happen.
Often appears as...
- no holds barred match
- no holds barred fight
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adverb
In an unlimited or unrestricted way.
He criticized the president no holds barred.
Often appears as...
- criticize no holds barred
- attack no holds barred
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity Emphasis
Used to highlight the extreme nature or intensity of a situation, event, or action.
In the debate, it was no holds barred as each candidate fiercely defended their views.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Expression
Commonly used in casual or informal situations to describe events that are very lively or exciting.
The game turned into a no holds barred thrill with fans cheering wildly.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically to describe non-physical situations where there is intense competition or conflict.
The bidding war for the antique was no holds barred, with prices skyrocketing.
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity Emphasis
Used to highlight the extreme nature or intensity of a situation, event, or action.
In the debate, it was no holds barred as each candidate fiercely defended their views.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Expression
Commonly used in casual or informal situations to describe events that are very lively or exciting.
The game turned into a no holds barred thrill with fans cheering wildly.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically to describe non-physical situations where there is intense competition or conflict.
The bidding war for the antique was no holds barred, with prices skyrocketing.
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity Emphasis
Used to highlight the extreme nature or intensity of a situation, event, or action.
In the debate, it was no holds barred as each candidate fiercely defended their views.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Expression
Commonly used in casual or informal situations to describe events that are very lively or exciting.
The game turned into a no holds barred thrill with fans cheering wildly.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically to describe non-physical situations where there is intense competition or conflict.
The bidding war for the antique was no holds barred, with prices skyrocketing.
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