56 Across

NYT Daily • August 22, 2025

Be ruthless

Answer:

TAKENOPRISONERS

Hint:

Show no mercy in battle—this phrase means you’re leaving no one behind alive.

Explanation:

"Be ruthless" is a direct hint to think of a phrase meaning to show no mercy or compassion. The answer "TAKENOPRISONERS" fits because it’s a common expression for refusing to spare opponents, often used in competitive or military contexts. The clue plays on the literal idea of not holding back, which aligns perfectly with the phrase’s meaning.

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