takes no prisoners
Absolutely no quarter
Takes no prisoners describes an uncompromising, ruthless approach that shows no mercy to opponents.
From military contexts where capturing enemies alive was rejected in favor of killing them, the phrase now applies to anyone who pursues goals aggressively without softening for others' feelings: Her takes-no-prisoners management style alienated half the staff.
A person who takes no prisoners doesn't hold back or make exceptions.
- inhumaneCallously causing suffering
- barbaricSavagely cruel, uncivilized
- no mercyComplete absence of clemency
- ruthlessLacking any compassion
- mercilessShowing no clemency
cutthroat · goes for the jugular · savage · killer instinct · combative · decisive · resolute · cold-blooded · pitiless · calculating · hard-nosed · hard as nails · intense · unflinching · pull no punches · unforgiving · unwavering · zero tolerance
takes no prisonersmerciful
Disposed toward forgiveness
forgiving · compassionate · lenient · gentle · clement
takes no prisonersgentle
Soft and kind
easygoing · soft · holds back · kid gloves · mild
takes no prisonerscompromising
Exposing to harm or scandal
flexible · accommodating · conciliatory · bends over backwards · yielding
take, takes, taken, taking, taker, takers, prisoner, prisoners, prison