The coach takes no prisoners during practice.
take no prisoners
idiomTo be uncompromising.
Origin
disputed originImplying that one kills all one's enemies instead of capturing them.
She takes no prisoners when she negotiates a contract, always demanding the best terms for her company.
In his pursuit of total market dominance, the CEO takes no prisoners, ruthlessly eliminating any competition that stands in his way.
- 01
be taken ill
To become ill.
- 02
cross to take up
Alternative form of cross to bear.
- 03
forget to take one's medication this morning
To be annoyed or irritable, or to behave in an ill-mannered way, particularly in the morning.
- 04
get taken in
To be fooled; to fall for.
- 05
give and take
A process of compromise or accommodation.
- 06
give someone an inch and someone will take a mile
Alternative form of give them an inch and they'll take a mile.
- 07
have one's name taken
To receive a yellow card.
- 08
I take it
Used to express one's understanding of another's position.
Last updated April 17, 2026