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Phrase(s): telegraph one’s punches
1. Fig. to signal, unintentionally, what blows one is about to strike. (Boxing.) • Wilbur used to telegraph his punches until his trainer worked with him. • Don’t telegraph your punches, kid! You’ll be flat on your back in twenty seconds. 2. Fig. to signal, unintentionally, one’s intentions. • When you go in there to negotiate, don’t telegraph your punches. Don’t let them see that we’re in need of this contract. • The mediator telegraphed his punches, and we were prepared with a strong counterargument.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs