What does "no holds barred" mean and where did it come from ?
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Fun2WinPrizes
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The phrase actually comes from the sport of wrestling (the sport, not the TV stuff). "Real" wrestling has very strict rules, and certain "holds" are indeed "barred," or not permitted. There are also similar rules in boxing. Thus, a wrestling or boxing match where there were no rules of conduct imposed would be a "no holds barred" brawl. "No holds barred" in a figurative sense meaning "no restrictions" first appeared around 1942, and is often used today to describe any event, such as a debate or talk-show, where the participants are free to express themselves in any manner they choose.
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