What does “No quarter” mean?

"No quarter" means to show no mercy or to give no mercy.

What context can I use the in?

Example

The enemy soldiers showed no quarter to the captured prisoners.

Example

The ruthless dictator gave no quarter to those who opposed him.

Example

In the intense competition, the athletes showed no quarter to their opponents

Is “No quarter” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“No quarter” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “No quarter” effectively in context?

You can use "No Quarter" to describe a situation where someone shows no mercy or gives no mercy. It emphasizes the ruthless and unforgiving nature of the action. For example, if someone is being extremely harsh or unforgiving towards others, you might say, 'They showed no quarter to their opponents.'

1Warfare
In the battle, the enemy soldiers showed no quarter to the captured prisoners.
2Dictatorship
The ruthless dictator gave no quarter to those who opposed him.
3Competition
In the intense competition, the athletes showed no quarter to their opponents.

Similar phrases to “No quarter”:

Show no mercy

To be merciless or unforgiving

Example

The judge showed no mercy to the convicted criminal.

Give no mercy

To refuse to show mercy or forgiveness

Example

The ruthless leader gave no mercy to those who opposed him.

Be ruthless

To be without pity or compassion

Example

In business, you have to be ruthless to succeed.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “No quarter” come from?

The origin of the phrase "No Quarter" can be traced back to medieval warfare. When a victorious army captured enemy soldiers, they would sometimes offer them the chance to surrender and be taken as prisoners. This act of mercy was known as 'giving quarter.' However, if the victorious army decided not to show mercy and instead killed all the captured soldiers, it was said that they gave 'no quarter.' Over time, the phrase has come to mean showing no mercy or giving no mercy.

Is “No quarter” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "No Quarter" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where someone is being merciless or unforgiving towards others.

What tone does “No quarter” have?

"No Quarter" conveys a tone of ruthlessness and severity. It is used to describe actions or behaviors that are harsh and unforgiving.

Can “No quarter” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "No Quarter" is more commonly used in informal settings. It is often used in casual conversations or discussions about intense situations. However, it can also be used in more formal contexts, such as historical or military discussions.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The enemy soldiers showed no quarter to the captured prisoners.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to show "no quarter"!' to imply a ruthless approach.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

be merciless
show no compassion
have no pity
be unrelenting
be unforgiving

Antonyms

show mercy
be compassionate
have pity
be forgiving
be lenient