Lotta senza quartiere
Fight without quarter
This idiom describes a relentless and merciless struggle, with no concessions or leniency given to the opponent. It originates from the military context where “no quarter” meant no mercy or clemency would be shown to the defeated. In this sense, “quartiere” referred to a safe place or refuge where defeated enemies could find shelter. Thus, a “lotta senza quartiere” is a fight where no refuge is provided, and no mercy is shown.
Exemples:
- La competizione tra le due squadre è stata una lotta senza quartiere. – The competition between the two teams was a fight without quarter.
- Durante le elezioni, i candidati si sono impegnati in una lotta senza quartiere. – During the elections, the candidates engaged in a fight without quarter.
- Il mercato immobiliare in quella città è una lotta senza quartiere. – The real estate market in that city is a fight without quarter.