PhrasesHub

Give no quarter

    Definitions

      • show no mercy/compassion
        To not show any mercy or compassion towards someone, typically in a situation where it is expected or appropriate to do so. It can also mean to not give someone any opportunity to escape or be spared from a difficult or unpleasant situation.

      • refuse to compromise
        To refuse to compromise or show leniency towards someone or something, often in a situation where negotiation or compromise is expected. It can also mean to be unyielding or uncompromising in one's beliefs or principles.

      • not accept defeat
        To not accept defeat or surrender, often in a situation where it is expected or appropriate to do so. It can also mean to continue fighting or resisting despite overwhelming odds or obstacles.

    Examples of Give no quarter

    • The police officer chased the suspect through the dark alleys, determined to catch him no matter what. As the man turned a corner, the officer yelled, "Stop right there! Give no quarter, I won't let you escape!"

      In this example, "Give no quarter" means to show absolutely no mercy or leniency, especially when pursuing someone who is trying to evade capture. It is often used in a confrontational or hostile situation, where the person speaking wants to clearly communicate their unwillingness to give up or compromise their position.

    • The defense lawyer argued fiercely in court, using every tactic and strategy in her arsenal to prove her client's innocence. She knew that the prosecution was determined to secure a conviction, so she pledged, "Mark my words: I will give no quarter in this case. My client deserves a fair and impartial trial, and I won't rest until justice is served."

      Here, "Give no quarter" represents an unyielding and steadfast commitment to a cause or principle, particularly in the face of opposition or adversity. It suggests that the speaker is unwilling to compromise or back down, no matter how difficult the situation may be.

    • The rivalry between the two companies had turned ugly, with both sides vying for dominance in the industry. The CEO of one company declared, "We came too far to back down now. Give no quarter, my team! We will stop at nothing to come out on top!"

      In this context, "Give no quarter" implies a fierce and uncompromising stance towards competition, where the speaker is prepared to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, even if it means being aggressive or combative.

    • As the soldiers marched into enemy territory, they knew that the battle ahead would be brutal and unforgiving. The general rallied his troops, saying, "Boys, we're in this together. I won't ask any man to do what I won't do myself. We'll give no quarter, and we'll come out victorious!"

      Here, "Give no quarter" represents a strong and united front in the face of adversity, where the speaker is encouraging his troops to stay committed and persistent in their efforts, no matter how tough the situation may be. It conveys a sense of shared responsibility and camaraderie, where everyone involved is working towards a common goal.

    • The general's strategy was to give no quarter to the enemy.

      This idiom is commonly used in the context of war or fighting to mean that one should not show mercy or leniency towards the opponent. The phrase "give no quarter" originated in medieval times, when a knight pledged himself to his liege lord and received a token, called a "quarter", as a symbol of protection. In battle, a knight was expected to allow his opponents to surrender and give them quarter to respect their knighthood and the quarter they carried. However, in situations where mercy was not possible, such as in case of rebellion or treachery, giving quarter could be considdered a sign of weakness. Thus, to "give no quarter" was a declaration of the general's determination to eliminate the enemy without any mercy or clemency.

    • The prosecutor demanded justice be served, and vowed to give no quarter to the accused.

      This idiom is used in legal contexts to signify that the prosecutor will not grant any concessions or leniency to the accused, and will relentlessly pursue justice. The term "give no quarter" can be interpreted as a call to action for complete accountability and punishment for any wrongdoing.

    • The stock trader knew that in the cut-throat world of finance, you had to give no quarter to succeed.

      In a competitive and unforgiving industry like finance, this idiom is often used to convey the message that success can only be achieved by never compromising or making concessions. Giving no quarter can refer to winning at any cost, even if it means being ruthless and uncompromising.

    • The coach urged his players to play with a vengeance, giving no quarter to their opponents.

      This idiom is commonly used in the context of sports to refer to playing aggressively and sparing no mercy towards opponents. In sports, giving no quarter can mean playing with a brutal intensity, leaving nothing to chance, and executing moves with relentless force.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "give no quarter" is a phrase that is used to convey the idea of not showing any mercy, compassion, or compromise towards someone or something. It can also express the sentiment of not accepting defeat or surrender.

    In its most literal sense, "give no quarter" comes from the military term meaning to not spare the lives of enemy soldiers. This was often seen as a brutal and merciless act, as quarter was the term used for mercy or the opportunity to surrender. Over time, the phrase evolved to be used in a broader context, outside of military situations.

    Today, "give no quarter" is often used in a figurative sense to describe a person or situation where no mercy or compromise is given. It can also be used to convey a sense of strength and determination, as in refusing to back down or accept defeat. Overall, the idiom carries a strong connotation of being unyielding and uncompromising.

    Origin of "Give no quarter"

    The origin of the idiom "give no quarter" can be traced back to the 16th century, when it was first used in a literal military context. During battles, soldiers would often shout "no quarter" as a warning that they would not show mercy or accept surrender from the enemy. This was seen as a way to intimidate and discourage the opposing side.

    In the 17th and 18th centuries, the phrase began to be used more widely in non-military situations. It was often used in political debates or conflicts to convey the idea of not compromising or showing any mercy towards one's opponent. It also became a popular phrase in literature, appearing in works by authors such as William Shakespeare and Sir Walter Scott.

    Today, "give no quarter" is still commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. Its origins in the military have given it a strong and forceful connotation, making it a powerful phrase to express the idea of not backing down or showing any mercy.