Give no quarter
Suggest a CorrectionMeaning
Show no mercy, leniency or concession; historically, refuse to spare a defeated enemy. The historical literal sense can imply killing captives and is severe. Figurative use means uncompromising treatment. Regional use: European military language established in early modern English; now international English.
Origin
Quarter in early modern warfare meant mercy or fair treatment granted to a vanquished opponent, often involving capture and ransom rather than immediate killing. Randle Cotgrave's 1611 French-English dictionary defines quartier as fair war in which soldiers are taken prisoner and ransomed, while Virginia writing in 1614 asks for 'faire quarter'. To give no quarter therefore meant refuse that mercy, not charge or pay a quarter of anything.
Research Sources
Variants
- No quarter
- Ask no quarter
- No quarter given
Usage Examples
- The reviewer gave no quarter to sloppy citations or invented dates.
- Both sides argued fiercely and asked no quarter.
- In the final set the champion gave her exhausted opponent no quarter.