take no prisoners
Be completely ruthless
To take no prisoners is to act ruthlessly, without mercy or compromise.
The military origin is literal—killing enemies rather than capturing them—but modern usage is almost always figurative: She takes no prisoners in salary negotiations.
The phrase suggests aggressive, uncompromising pursuit of goals regardless of consequences to others.
- no quarterDenial of surrender
- make no bones aboutSpeak candidly, without hedging
- onslaughtFierce, overwhelming assault
- victoryDefeating an opponent
- uncompromisingRefusing to yield ground
do or die · hardball · full court press · relentless · scorched earth policy · scorched-earth · merciless · pitiless · cutthroat · defeat · offensive · no-holds-barred · annihilate · go for the kill · implacable · ruthless · blood sport · killer instinct
take no prisonersshow mercy
Treat with leniency
turn the other cheek · forgive and forget · kill with kindness · be gentle · have a heart
take no prisonerspull punches
Deliberately moderate one's force
go easy · hold back · soft-pedal · kid gloves · play nice
take no prisonersmeet halfway
Concede equally to agree
compromise · live and let live · give and take · split the difference · settle for less
take, takes, taken, taking, taker, takers, prisoner, prisoners, prison