There is the expression to pull one's punches:

1. To act as if one is punching someone, without making any or much physical contact.

2. By extension, to restrain one's commentary or criticism to avoid offending or upsetting someone. (Usually used in the negative.)

[for a boxer] to strike with light blows to enable the other boxer to win.

It can be used generally in situations of matches or negotiations to mean:

To refrain from deploying all the resources or force at one's disposal.

e.g.

Bill has been barred from the boxing ring for pulling his punches. (negative connotation)

"I never pulled punches in my life!" cried Tom. (positive connotation)

There is the expression to pull one's punches:

1. To act as if one is punching someone, without making any or much physical contact.

2. By extension, to restrain one's commentary or criticism to avoid offending or upsetting someone. (Usually used in the negative.)

[for a boxer] to strike with light blows to enable the other boxer to win.

It can be used generally in situations of matches or negotiations to mean:

To refrain from deploying all the resources or force at one's disposal.

e.g.

Bill has been barred from the boxing ring for pulling his punches. (negative connotation)

"I never pulled punches in my life!" cried Tom. (positive connotation)

Also, you might consider to go easy on someone:

to treat someone in a gentle way, esp. when you want to be or should be more severe (Cambridge)

There is the expression to pull one's punches:

1. To act as if one is punching someone, without making any or much physical contact.

2. By extension, to restrain one's commentary or criticism to avoid offending or upsetting someone. (Usually used in the negative.)

[for a boxer] to strike with light blows to enable the other boxer to win.

It can be used generally in situations of matches or negotiations to mean:

To refrain from deploying all the resources or force at one's disposal.

There is the expression to pull one's punches:

1. To act as if one is punching someone, without making any or much physical contact.

2. By extension, to restrain one's commentary or criticism to avoid offending or upsetting someone. (Usually used in the negative.)

[for a boxer] to strike with light blows to enable the other boxer to win.

It can be used generally in situations of matches or negotiations to mean:

To refrain from deploying all the resources or force at one's disposal.

e.g.

Bill has been barred from the boxing ring for pulling his punches. (negative connotation)

"I never pulled punches in my life!" cried Tom. (positive connotation)