Take no prisoners

Posted by David FG on December 21, 2004

In Reply to: Take no prisoners posted by leslie on December 21, 2004

: Hi,

: Does anyone know the origin of 'take no prisoners'? Tahnks.

I have always assumed it to be a military phrase. The order being given before a battle that all of the enemy were to be killed, as opposed to taking any (even the wounded or those that surrendered) as prisoners.

It is, I believe, now contrary to international law.

DFG

• Take no prisoners ESC 21/December/04