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Reader question: Please explain “came out swinging” in the following: Coca-Cola Amatil boss Terry Davis came out swinging against claims from major supermarkets that suppliers such as Coke are ripping off consumers. Coles boss Ian McLeod recently accused CCA of charging local consumers up to three times what Indonesians pay for equivalent products. My comments: Another boxing analogy and a very useful term it is too. Upon checking the story, I understand that Coca-cola is accused of charging Australian consumers too much for its bubbly sugar water. The story used stronger words, of course, calling it a rip-off, as if the sugar water company is tearing (ripping) people’s pockets open to steal their money. Coca-Cola’s boss, in response, came out swinging with an all-out attack, or rather a counter attack. Whatever it is, you may be sure that Terry Davis, the boss of the company, is angry. You may be sure that he took on the allegations directly and denied any wrong doing. You can be sure of that because that’s the impression that a boxer who comes out swinging is supposed to give. In boxing, you see, two fighters are seated at the opposite side of a square ring. When the bell rings (signaling the match to begin), the two fighters stand up from their stool, advance to the middle of the ring and commence boxing, bobbing and weaving. Usually, fighters are seen to dance around each other a bit, throwing tiny jabs (short thrusts from the forearm) only. When this happens, you know the two fighters are taking their time, sizing the opponent up, feeling each other out a bit before launching full frontal attacks such as what are known as a roundhouse punches. | 
