
Pull your punches
Emotional Tact
Use it when being gentle with someone's feelings to avoid causing offense.
When she asked about her performance, I pulled my punches.
Conversational Conflict
It's useful during arguments to prevent escalation by not saying harsh words.
Even in the heat of the debate, try to pull your punches.
Criticism Delivery
It softens the blow when giving feedback, combining honesty with sensitivity.
During peer reviews, it's often better to pull your punches.