put on the gloves—prepare to engage in a serious debate, argument, etc.:
- When you have the guts to debate the issues on merit instead of intolerance, I’m ready to put on the gloves.
take off the gloves—argue, compete, or deal with smb. harshly:
- The government has made clear that if any academic challenges government policy, it will take off the gloves.
Cf.: treat someone with kidgloves—display tact and sensitivity when dealing with a person:
- You treat some people like second-class humans and generally expect everyone to treat you with kidgloves.