Pulling no punches is an idiom that means to be completely honest and direct, without holding back. It can also mean to be very aggressive or confrontational. The two crossword solutions for this term are BLUNT and BRUTAL. BLUNT means to be direct and to the point, without any sugar coating. BRUTAL means to be extremely harsh and unforgiving. Both of these words describe the phrase Pulling no punches, as they both imply a lack of subtlety and a willingness to be direct and honest.