There's A Phrase In French Which Means, War Without Quarter/mercy.

[sandyRoe]

Anyone know what it is?

[Jackdaw33]

Never heard of it but a literal translation would be Guerre sans Merci

[Buenchico]

Guerre à outrance?

[Jackdaw33]

http://www.pourquois.com/expressions_langage/pourquoi-guerre-sans-merci-.html

[Hypognosis]

I've never understood the expression "no quarter", because quarter has at least three usages and, until now, lacked the curiosity to look it up.

In fact, I'm more interested in why everyone else either knows the derivation and doesn't need to ask or just nods and pretends to and hopes no-one asks them. :o)

[Jackdaw33]

This may help

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_quarter

[SirOracle]

Jackdaw....Would you accept guerre a outrance meaning all out war. ?

[Jackdaw33]

Sort of. My translation would be war to the bitter end.

[1ozzy]

Can't help you there Sandy, but, where I live it translates into "**** you Jack".

[Jackdaw33]

I hope that's not directed to me!

[1ozzy]

Most certainly not Mr.Daw.

Just means "he who crosses me shall get it back double time" ;-)

[SirOracle]

My apologies Buenchico, I didn't notice that you got there before me.

How about guerre totale ?

[SirOracle]

Iozzy.......A motto of my Scottish Regiment is " Nemo me impune lacessit" which broadly translates to your example " He who crosses me ............"

[1ozzy]

Forgiveness is great.
But revenge is sweet, more so when "served cold".

[Jackdaw33]

SirO.

That is the inscription around the Scottish pound coin

[SirOracle]

Yes Jackdaw it is all over the place in Scotland,including my regimental badge.

I think it is the Scottish motto,if there is such a thing.

[1ozzy]

So if I go to Scotland, spend a pound I'll get it back twice?

Just figured out my retirement plan ;-)

[SirOracle]

Sure Iozzy.........The London Government have been doing this to us in Scotland for over 400 years. !! ;-)

[Jackdaw33]

It is the motto of the Order of the Thistle.

[SirOracle]

You certainly move in exalted circles Jackdaw. !! ;-)

[Hypognosis]

@Jackdaw

Thanks for the link.

I probably first heard the phrase used in films/TV but it was not until years later I found out about the whole capture & ransom racket that they had, in mediaeval times. It was only necessary to rout the opposing army off the field to assert authority; killing ones fellow religionists, after de-weaponing them or chasing them to exhaustion was something to avoid.