PhrasesHub

No quarter given

    Definitions

      • to show no mercy or to offer no help
        to indicate a situation where no mercy or help will be given, often in a competitive or confrontational context

      • to refuse to compromise
        to indicate a situation where one party is unwilling to make concessions or compromises

    Examples of No quarter given

    • In the brutal battle, the commander ordered his troops to show no mercy and inflict maximum damage on the enemy. They marched forward with shields and swords raised high, ready to crush any resistance.

      The expression "No quarter given" originated during medieval times when knights would offer mercy to captured enemies. However, in times of war, some commanders believed in taking an uncompromising stance, leaving no room for mercy or clemency. This strategy is aptly described in the given example, where the commander instructs his troops to show no mercy and deliver a heavy blow to the enemy.

    • The ruthless CEO refused to negotiate with the striking workers, determined to crush their demands. She warned them that she would not tolerate any dissent and that there would be no leniency or lenience from her side.

      The phrase "No quarter given" in this example is used metaphorically to signify that the CEO would not be willing to compromise or negotiate with the workers. She would rather take a firm stance and crush their demands, denying them any leeway or mercy.

    • During the election campaign, the candidate's supporters adopted a "no quarter given" approach, hitting their rivals hard and fast with attack ads and smear campaigns. They left no room for concessions or negotiations, determined to emerge as winners.

      In this example, the phrase "No quarter given" is used to describe the aggressive stance adopted by the candidate's supporters during the campaign. They would not be willing to compromise or negotiate with their rivals, preferring instead to crush them with their hard-hitting campaigns.

    • The police chief ordered his officers to show no leniency or mercy to the criminals, pledging to eliminate crime from the streets. He warned that they would have to pay the price for their misdeeds, likening their predicament to a chess game, in which only the winner takes all.

      The usage of the phrase "No quarter given" in this example is meant to convey the police chief's unflinching commitment to eliminate crime from the streets. He would not hesitate to crack down hard on criminals, leaving no room for concessions or clemency. The metaphor comparing criminals to chess pieces highlights the fact that only the strongest and most determined would emerge as winners in this game.

    • The general ordered his troops to show no mercy to the enemy. They were instructed to fight relentlessly and take no prisoners. No quarter was given.

      In warfare, 'no quarter' is a military term that refers to refusing to grant any mercy, clemency, or quarter (pardon) to the enemy. This idiom is usually used to describe a situation where the fighters are not inclined to show any compassion towards their adversaries, and are determined to prevail at all costs.

    • She was completely ruthless in her business dealings, leaving no room for negotiation or compromise. Her competitors had to learn the hard way that no quarter was given in her industry.

      In a cut-throat competitive environment, 'no quarter' is used to signify that no leniency, lenience or compromises are given by one party to the other party in the business dealings. It conveys the idea that the person or company is very dominant in the industry and has a complete disregard for the vulnerability of their competitors.

    • The manager demanded that his subordinates work harder and deliver results without any errors. Any mistake or delay would not be tolerated. He made it clear that no quarter would be given for inefficiency or sub-par performance.

      In a corporate setting, 'no quarter' is used to denote that there is zero tolerance for errors, delays, or slackness. The manager's instructions were a clear indication that he expected his team to perform at optimal levels and that any deviation from the standards would not be accepted at all.

    • The rebel group had no intention of feeding the prisoners or taking care of them. They viewed them as a threat and decided to execute them all. No quarter was given to the captives, who were left to die of hunger and thirst.

      In a situation where the prisoners are being held captive, 'no quarter' is used to denote that the captors have no inclination whatsoever towards showing any mercy or compassion towards their hostages. They see them as an enemy, and hence, they are not inclined to take any steps towards feeding them or providing them with basic necessities. Instead, they are left to die, and the phrase 'no quarter' is used to signify that absolutely no consideration is given to the plight of the prisoners.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "no quarter given" is used to convey the message that no mercy or help will be offered in a given situation, often in a competitive or confrontational context. It can also indicate a refusal to compromise or make concessions.

    The phrase is commonly used in situations where there is a clear winner and loser, such as in sports, business negotiations, or conflicts. It conveys a sense of determination and steadfastness, indicating that the person or group using the phrase is unwilling to show any leniency or make any compromises.

    Overall, "no quarter given" is a powerful and assertive idiom that is used to convey a strong and uncompromising stance in a given situation.

    Origin of "No quarter given"

    The origin of the idiom "no quarter given" can be traced back to warfare and military conflicts. In the past, soldiers would often ask for "quarter," meaning mercy or assistance, when they were captured or defeated in battle. Refusing to give quarter meant that no mercy or help would be offered to the defeated enemy.

    Over time, the phrase has evolved to be used in a broader context, beyond just military situations. It is now commonly used to convey a sense of refusal to show any leniency or make any compromises in various competitive or confrontational situations.

    The origins of the phrase "no quarter given" highlight its strong and uncompromising nature, as it stems from the harsh realities of warfare and the refusal to offer mercy to the defeated enemy.