take-no-prisoners

[ teyk-noh-priz-uh-nerz, ‑-priz-nerz ]

adjective

1. wholeheartedly aggressive; zealous; gung-ho:

   a businessman with a take-no-prisoners attitude toward dealmaking.

Word History and Origins

Origin of take-no-prisoners¹

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

The sixth-season premiere of the rowdy, take-no-prisoners sitcom opens with a bang—literally.

From The Daily Beast

Three-time champ Tony Stewart is reviled—and beloved—for his take-no-prisoners, borderline-unhinged attitude.

From The Daily Beast

Since the take-no-prisoners crackdown has begun, the street feels like a set from The Day After.

From The Daily Beast

And Ford delivers another impressive performance as the hard-ass, take-no-prisoners colonel; like a hardened, grizzled Han Solo.

From The Daily Beast

Generations of correspondents and producers were influenced by his take-no-prisoners approach.

From The Daily Beast