Give No Quarter 🐙
Definition: To show no mercy or leniency; to offer no concessions or respite, especially in times of conflict or competition.
Similar High-Stakes Terms:
- Grant No Quarter: Just like “give no quarter,” this phrase implies an utter lack of pity or mercy.
- Take No Prisoners: It means to be ruthlessly efficient, with no concern for casualties.
- Show No Mercy: A more straightforward expression meaning exactly what it says—no mercy will be shown.
- Pull No Punches: To be completely straightforward and unrelenting in criticism or competition.
- Play Hardball: To act aggressively and unyieldingly.
Synonyms 🎯
- Be relentless
- Be unyielding
- Show no mercy
- Be ruthless
Antonyms 🌿
- Show mercy
- Be lenient
- Be compassionate
- Give quarter
Quotes Filled with Bravado:
- “In the battle of ideas, be prepared to give no quarter.” — The Thoughtful Warrior
- “When life challenges you to a duel, it’s either give no quarter or be quartered.” — S. Swordserious
Proverbs with a Punch:
- “He who gives no quarter must expect none.”
- “Mercy may hold the soul, but ruthlessness grips the world.”
Pop Culture Nuggets:
- Literature: “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville; Captain Ahab embodies the spirit of ‘give no quarter’ in his relentless pursuit of the whale Moby Dick.
- Movies: In “Gladiator,” General Maximus gives no quarter when facing his enemies in both battle and the Colosseum.
- Music: Listen to Led Zeppelin’s song “No Quarter” for a sonic journey into the realm of unrelenting determination.
- TV Series: In “Game of Thrones,” many characters show no quarter, but if there is one who defines it, it’s Cersei Lannister.
- Poetry: “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley. A central theme is the unyielding spirit—akin to giving no quarter in the face of life’s turmoil.
### Which one of these expressions means showing no mercy?
- [x] Give no quarter
- [ ] Throw in the towel
- [ ] Cat's out of the bag
- [ ] Hit the books
> **Explanation:** "Give no quarter" means to show no mercy, while the others mean to surrender, reveal a secret, or start studying, respectively.
### Which phrase is synonymous with ruthlessness?
- [ ] Gild the lily
- [ ] Beat around the bush
- [ ] Small potatoes
- [x] Take no prisoners
> **Explanation:** "Take no prisoners" is synonymous with being ruthless. The other phrases are either about excess, evasion, or insignificance.
### True or False: 'Grant no quarter' is an antonym of 'show mercy.'
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True. "Grant no quarter" directly opposes the concept of showing mercy, making it a proper antonym.
Author: B. Grimblade
Pub Date: 2023-10-01
As you dance through life’s challenges, always ask yourself: Will you give quarter, or will you be relentless in your pursuit? Only you can define the terms of your battle.
Inspirational Thought: “Mercy may ground a soul, but unyielding commitment earns you wings. Fly high or stay grounded; the choice is yours.” 🦅
