The phrase “take no prisoners” usually refers to when one takes an overly aggressive stance in a particular situation. It implies that one lacks mercy, but its broad range of applications does not always translate to being merciless. The likely origin of the phrase would have been to “take no prisoners” in combat, even if opposing forces surrendered or were wounded.

Actually, in combat, “take no prisoners” would not be a common command today. Killing wounded soldiers or soldiers who have surrendered are International war crimes. However, fighting so that there are none left to surrender or so that people are killed rather than wounded would be a “take no prisoners” style of warfare that is not technically illegal.

A similar expression to “take no prisoners” is the British military term of “giving no quarter.” This too may be translated in modern day as being aggressive. Essentially quarter might mean quarters or living arrangements for prisoners. Thus giving no quarter can be specifically connected to the phrase “take no prisoners.”

In modern usage one might see “take no prisoners” applied to a person’s political approach, styles of written and visual arts, or speaking abilities. It could also reflect on a person’s parenting abilities, or numerous other “styles” of living. For example, a book that includes extremely graphic violence might be written in a “take no prisoners” style, which does not spare the reader any details.

A parent who punishes all children for the misbehavior of one child might be adopting a “take no prisoners” approach. A politician who delivers an aggressive and vindictive speech against an opposing party might be considered to have a “take no prisoners” attitude.

“Take no prisoners” style indicates viewing the world in two-dimensional terms. There is no third dimension where mercy can be dealt. Instead, there is merely forward active aggression from which no one is spared. Mitigating circumstances, as in warfare, of injury or surrender do not exist in the “take no prisoners” mindset.

However, aggressive or decisive action is not always negative. A person who relentlessly pursues a goal and is not distracted by difficulties along the way essentially acts in “take no prisoners” fashion. A student who combats health issues or lack of money and is able to get a degree may have done so in an aggressive way, but with positive results. Sometimes an objective requires unilateral focus in order to be achieved.