the gloves are off

/ðə ɡlˈʌvz ɑːɹ ˈɒf/

/ðə ɡlˈʌvz ɑːɹ ˈɔf/

[phrase]

the gloves are off

[PHRASE]

said to mean something is done without caring if someone gets offended or upset

Examples

1. The gloves are off, my fork's in hand, and I'm ready to go all the way.

2. Look, looks like the gloves are off.

3. The gloves are off.

4. The first three - okay - we're talking about getting ready for the competition, looking for a fight, starting a fight, when the gloves are off, like Mr. E?