That may be a by-product of his straight-talking nature and his supreme confidence, which mean he sees no need to pull punches or partake in false modesty.

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What we can take from Phillips aka Dear Abby is a healthy respect for the joy that life delivers but an understanding that if you really want to give advice you cannot pull punches.

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Its leaders had said they would pull their punches in the national interest during Italy's presidency.

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