no holds barred

alternative no-holds-barred

1. not comparablegovernmentWithout restrictions on holds or the actions permitted to opponents.

   a no holds barred match

2. figurativelynot comparableHaving absolutely no limits or restrictions as far as the levels and nature of one's hostilities and offense; taking to an especially ruthless or vicious manner.

   Near-synonyms: unrestrained, unrestricted, unreserved, unconstrained, cutthroat

   4 more examples

   a no holds barred debating style that quickly transformed into cheap shots and bickering

   There isn’t much reason to be optimistic about thoughtful dialogue in this general election. Both sides are girded for a negative, no-holds-barred slugfest.

   2016 May 8, Albert R. Hunt, “Trump and Clinton Campaigns Gear Up for a Slugfest”, in The New York Times, →ISSN

   Among them was Ryan Ferchaud, 37, a tourist from Memphis who mostly faulted groups of college students for what she said was their no-holds-barred attitude regarding the mayhem.

   2021 March 22, Neil Vigdor, Michael Majchrowicz, Azi Paybarah, “Miami Beach, Overwhelmed by Spring Break, Extends Emergency Curfew”, in The New York Times, →ISSN

   “But the Russian doctrine of mass firing and no holds barred was visible in Chechnya, and there is the potential that Russia will get its act together tactically, and that will result in mass fire against population centers.”

   2022 February 28, Steven Erlanger, quoting Douglas Lute, “After a Fumbled Start, Russian Forces Hit Harder in Ukraine”, in The New York Times, →ISSN

   Synonyms: unrestrained, unrestricted, unreserved, unconstrained, cutthroat