pull punches

Etymology
From boxing, 1920s.

Verb

 * 1)  To avoid using a high level of force when punching.
 * 2)  To act with reserve; especially, to word something delicately to avoid giving offense or inciting anger.
 * 1)  To act with reserve; especially, to word something delicately to avoid giving offense or inciting anger.

Translations

 * Finnish: olla lyömättä kovaa
 * French:
 * Hungarian: kesztyűs kézzel bánik
 * Polish: łagodzić uderzenie, złagodzić uderzenie