telegraph one’s punches

1. tv. to signal, unintentionally, what blows one is about to strike. (Boxing.)

□ Wilbur used to telegraph his punches until his coach beat it out of him.

□ Don’t telegraph your punches, kid! You’ll be flat on your back in twenty seconds.

2. tv. 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 broke.

□ The mediator telegraphed his punches, and we were prepared with a strong counter argument.