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gloves are off. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
gloves are off, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
gloves are off in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
gloves are off you have here. The definition of the word
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gloves are off, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
One possible etymology comes from the sport of boxing, where competitors fistfight wearing padded gloves; removing the gloves during a fight could result in serious physical injury. Another comes from the trend of gentlemen wearing gloves as part of their outfit; these gloves would often be taken off before engaging in rough behavior.
Pronunciation
Phrase
gloves are off
- Expressing that people are arguing or competing without regard to their actions or each other's feelings.
The gloves are off in this match; both teams are purposely committing fouls against opposing players!
2023 October 18, Mel Holley, “Network News: Harper attacks Labour over strikes... but unions hit back”, in RAIL, number 994, page 18: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.
See also