take no prisoners: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘take no prisoners’ mean?
The idiom "take no prisoners" means to be relentless or uncompromising, showing no mercy or making no exceptions, and stopping at nothing to achieve a goal or defeat an opponent.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "whatever it takes" means doing everything necessary or going to any lengths to achieve a goal or desired outcome.
"Take on the chin" means to bravely and stoically accept a difficult or unpleasant situation, especially when facing criticism, defeat, or adversity.
The idiom "take one's time" means to proceed at a relaxed and unhurried pace without feeling rushed or pressured.
The idiom "take one's chance" means to seize or accept an opportunity or risk without knowing the outcome. It implies a willingness to try despite the uncertainty or potential for failure.
The idiom "take no notice of" means to ignore or pay no attention to something or someone. It implies a deliberate act of not acknowledging or responding to a particular situation, remark, or individual.
The idiom "take no for an answer" means to refuse to accept someone's refusal or rejection of something. It implies persistent determination and unwillingness to give up on a desired outcome.
The idiom "take lightly" means to not take something seriously or to underestimate its importance or impact.
The idiom "take liberties" means to act in a way that is not appropriate or allowed, often by exceeding boundaries or disregarding rules or norms.
The idiom "take its toll" means that something has a negative impact or effect on someone or something, usually resulting in damage, exhaustion, or loss. It implies that there are consequences or consequences to be paid for a particular action or situation.
An idiom meaning that one has to accept a situation or offer as it is, without the possibility of negotiation or change.
No Mercy in Battle
take no for an answer is another idiom that is related to the expression "take no prisoners". It is a phrase used to convey the idea that someone is unwilling to accept a negative response or refusal to a request or proposition. It suggests a persistent and unwavering attitude, where the person expects their wishes or demands to be met, regardless of any obstacles or objections.
The idiom "take no for an answer" shares a similar sense of determination and relentlessness with "take no prisoners". Both idioms imply a refusal to back down or give up, even in the face of resistance or opposition. While "take no prisoners" primarily focuses on being ruthless and merciless in achieving a goal, "take no for an answer" emphasizes the refusal to accept anything less than a positive response or outcome.
stop at nothing is yet another idiom that connects to the concept of "take no prisoners". It is an expression used to emphasize that someone is willing to do anything to achieve their objective, regardless of the consequences or moral considerations. It suggests a relentlessness and lack of scruples, where the person is prepared to go to extreme lengths, even if it means disregarding ethical or legal boundaries.
Similar to "take no prisoners", the idiom "stop at nothing" conveys a sense of uncompromising determination and an unwillingness to be deterred or hindered by obstacles. While "take no prisoners" primarily suggests a ruthless approach towards adversaries, "stop at nothing" implies a broader willingness to disregard any boundaries or limits in pursuit of a goal.
Lastly, "take no notice of" is an idiom that bears relevance to the idea of "take no prisoners". This expression is used to convey the notion of intentionally ignoring or disregarding something or someone. It implies a deliberate choice to pay no attention or give no importance to a particular matter, whether it be a remark, a criticism, or an individual's presence.
The idiom "take no notice of" shares a common thread with "take no prisoners" in that it suggests an attitude of indifference and lack of concern. While "take no prisoners" denotes a lack of mercy or compassion towards adversaries, "take no notice of" implies a deliberate choice to exclude or disregard certain elements in order to maintain focus and achieve one's objectives.
Overall, the idioms "take no for an answer", "stop at nothing", and "take no notice of" all draw connections to the concept of "take no prisoners". Each idiom conveys a distinct perspective on determination, with "take no for an answer" emphasizing persistence, "stop at nothing" highlighting an absence of boundaries, and "take no notice of" projecting indifference. Together, they contribute to a broader understanding of the mindset and attitude encapsulated by the idiom "take no prisoners".
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *take no prisoners* can be used in a sentence include:
1. "The team was determined to win the game and took no prisoners, defeating their opponents with a resounding score."
2. "During negotiations, the company took no prisoners and forcefully argued for their demands."
3. "In the courtroom, the lawyer took no prisoners and aggressively questioned the witness."
More "Metaphorical" idioms
