Meaning of gloves are off | Babel Free
Definitions
Expressing that people are arguing or competing without regard to propriety, restraint, feelings, or (even) safety.
Examples
“The gloves are off in this match⟳; both teams are purposely committing fouls against opposing players!”
“In the early years after 9/11, it was often said of antiterrorism that "the gloves are off now."”
“The gloves were off at the Conservative Party annual conference in Manchester on October 2, with Secretary of State for Transport⟳ Mark⟳ Harper spending much of his speech attacking Labour and the unions.”
CEFR level
C1
Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.
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