go for the kill
Strike the deathblow
Go for the kill means to pursue victory or success with maximum aggression, holding nothing back.
From hunting and combat, where the kill shot ends the contest.
In competition, business, or argument, going for the kill means pressing every advantage to finish off an opponent: She sensed weakness and went for the kill.
The phrase implies ruthlessness—not just winning, but destroying.
- go for the jugularExploit maximum vulnerability
- huntPursuit of quarry
- blood in the waterSign inviting attack
- strikeForceful impact or stoppage
- attackAggressive act against another
no mercy · take no prisoners · adrenaline · gamble · boldness · going · finishing move · final blow · confidence · ruthlessness · endgame · coup de grâce · assertiveness · strategy · calculated risk · daring · opportunism · maneuver
go for the killshow mercy
Treat with leniency
spare · let off the hook · have mercy · take pity · turn the other cheek