Take no prisoners is the order to kill all enemies encountered, even those who are wounded or surrendering. It is now considered an international war crime. Originally used in military warfare, it is not a common command today. 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.
'"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.
Read more about Take No Prisoners: Common and Similar Uses, Sport, Music, Video Games, Similar Expressions
Famous quotes containing the word prisoners:
“Two prisoners whose cells adjoin communicate with each other by knocking on the wall. The wall is the thing which separates them but is also their means of communication. It is the same with us and God. Every separation is a link.”
—Simone Weil (1909–1943)