Usually means: Hold back full force intentionally.
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We found 10 dictionaries that define the word pull punches:

General (5 matching dictionaries)
  1. pull punches: Merriam-Webster
  2. pull punches: Oxford Learner's Dictionaries
  3. pull punches: Wiktionary
  4. pull (one's) punches, pull punches: Dictionary.com
  5. pull (one's) punches, pull punches: TheFreeDictionary.com

Business (2 matching dictionaries)
  1. pull punches: Legal dictionary
  2. pull punches: Financial dictionary

Computing (1 matching dictionary)
  1. pull punches: Encyclopedia

Medicine (1 matching dictionary)
  1. pull punches: Medical dictionary

Miscellaneous (1 matching dictionary)
  1. pull punches: Idioms

Definitions from Wiktionary (pull punches)

verb:  (originally boxing) To avoid using a high level of force when punching.
verb:  (figuratively, chiefly in the negative) To act with reserve; especially, to word something delicately to avoid giving offense or inciting anger.

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