Meanings
alternative gloves come off
- idiomaticExpressing that people are arguing or competing without regard to propriety, restraint, feelings, or (even) safety.
In the early years after 9/11, it was often said of antiterrorism that "the gloves are off now."
2 more examples
The gloves are off in this match; both teams are purposely committing fouls against opposing players!
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.
2023 October 18, Mel Holley, “Network News: Harper attacks Labour over strikes... but unions hit back”, in RAIL, number 994, page 18
Origin
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. Compare throw down the gauntlet.
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
gloves are off. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/gloves%20are%20off
“gloves are off.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/gloves%20are%20off. Accessed November 5, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “gloves are off,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/gloves%20are%20off.
Source: gloves are off on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.