# take no prisoners

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-no-prisoners
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be uncompromising.

## Examples

- The coach takes no prisoners during practice.
- 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.

## Origin

The idiom implies the practice of killing all enemies rather than capturing them. The expression reflects a refusal to grant quarter, though the source records no specific dates or named entities associated with its first appearance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.