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take no prisoners

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take no prisoners

 

1. Lit. to kill the enemy rather than seize the enemy as prisoners. The soldiers' orders were to take no prisoners.

2. Fig. to be extremely ruthless with the opposition. The new manager takes no prisoners. He is ruthless and stern.

See also: take

take no prisoners

to be extremely determined to get what you want In the big games against the best players, he takes no prisoners.

Usage notes: said about someone who is not worried about anyone's opinions of their actions

See also: take

take no prisoners

if someone takes no prisoners, when they try to achieve something they are very determined and do not care about other people's feelings When Eric's anger is aroused, he takes no prisoners.

See also: take

take no prisoners

1. To kill all of an enemy or a population.

2. To be ruthless or unrestrained, as in an undertaking: "Grandmother was both very pretty and very mouthy. She took no prisoners" (Nicki Giovanni).

See also: take