zero tolerance

Definitions

The strict policy of enforcing law(s) or the rule(s), and allowing no toleration or compromise even for first-time offenders or petty violations.

uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“I get⟳ weary of this zero tolerance bullshit. It's annoying. To begin⟳ with, it's a fascist concept; it's what Hitler and Stalin practiced. It allows for no exceptions or compassion of any kind. All is black and white—no gradations. But even more important, it doesn't solve⟳ anything. The use⟳ of such a slogan simply allows whichever company, school or municipality is using it to claim⟳ they're doing something about a problem when, in fact, nothing is being done at all and the problem is being ignored. It's a cosmetic non-solution designed to impress⟳ simpletons. Whenever you hear⟳ the phrase zero tolerance, remember⟳, someone is bullshitting you.”

CEFR level