no holds barred, be up to par, be on a par with

While fronting AIG, the Post leads with the startling news that at least 3 percent of Washington, D.C. residents have HIV or AIDS, "a total that far surpasses the 1 percent threshold that constitutes a 'generalized and severe' epidemic," according to a report to be released on Monday. That leaves it on par with Uganda and some parts of Kenya, says Shannon Hader, director of the District's HIV/AIDS Administration.


Idioms: no holds barred
adj. Informal.

Open and unrestrained: “These paintings and charcoal drawings . . . are slightly tame compared with the no-holds-barred forcefulness of his self-generated vision” (Christopher Andreae).

Without any restrictions, as in Telephone companies are entering the market for Internet users with no holds barred.
This expression comes from wrestling, where certain holds are illegal, or barred, and has been used figuratively since about 1940.

EuroVox | 17.03.2008 | 05:30

For Elite Travelers, Even the Best Isn’t Always Up to Par

Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: The bible for luxurious travel

Most people buy a travel guide at a local bookstore before going on a trip. But what do discerning and exclusive travelers, for whom five star hotels are the norm, do?

Many turn to "Nota Bene" for advice -- a members-only destination review service from Great Britain. A 12-month, 10-issue subscription can cost upwards of 650 euros. But what they get for their money is a no-holds-barred critique of the creme de la creme of the travel world: which hotel rooms have mismatched carpeting, which the best view and whom to trust on staff to mend a perfect hem. EuroVox speaks with "Nota Bene" founder Anthony Lassman.

Definition

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be up to par
to be of the usual or expected standard:
Her work hasn't been up to par lately.

be on a par with 與...相同