taking no prisoners
Utterly without compromise
Taking no prisoners describes an aggressive, uncompromising approach that shows no mercy to opponents.
The military origin is literal—capturing no enemies, killing them instead.
The figurative sense dominates: Her cross-examination style takes no prisoners.
It suggests ruthless effectiveness, someone who pursues goals without softening for others' comfort or feelings.
- mercilessShowing no clemency
- no mercyComplete absence of clemency
- resoluteFixed in purpose
- combativeInclined toward conflict
- relentlessContinuing without pause
all out · full throttle · cutthroat · scorched earth · unwavering · implacable · unforgiving · going for the jugular · blood in the water · pitiless · brutal · tenacious · dogged · fierce · adversarial · steadfast · decisive · confrontational
taking no prisonerslenient
Tolerant of faults
merciful · compassionate · forgiving · sparing · soft-hearted
taking no prisonersgentle
Soft and kind
soft · mild · easygoing · laid-back · restrained
taking no prisonershalf-hearted
Lacking sincerity or zeal
halfhearted · wishy-washy · lackadaisical · going through the motions · phoning it in
taker, takers, taking, takings, prisoner, prisoners, prison, prisons, imprison