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9[[quoteright:203:[[Webcomic/BobAndGeorge https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rsz_000405.png]]]]
10
11->''"There is no escape. Don't make me destroy you. ''(pause)'' Luke, you do not yet realize your importance. You have only begun to discover your power. Join me, and I will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy."''
12-->-- '''Darth Vader''', ''Franchise/StarWars: Episode V — Film/TheEmpireStrikesBack''
13
14Two characters conflict, and one is more powerful/more advantageously positioned than the other. This powerful character wants to avoid a fight, and so warns the other party against provoking a decisive clash because it's guaranteed that they will lose. This could be for any number of reasons:
15
16* The character will go [[UnstoppableRage berserk]] and won't be able to stop himself from maiming or killing the opponent rather than merely defeating him.
17* The attacker is a friend/family member/{{True Companion|s}}.
18* The character is a MartialPacifist or [[GoodIsNotSoft not willing to be soft]], and is trying to offer a LastSecondChance.
19* The character sees their opponent as [[WeCanRuleTogether a potential ally]].
20* The character is evil, but an AntiVillain, NobleDemon, or [[DatingCatwoman otherwise]] [[BigBadFriend attached]] to their opponent.
21* The character merely wants the challenger to stop bothering him, and intimidating their opponent into [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere fleeing the fight]] is a pragmatic way {{to win without fighting}}.
22* The fight is likely to get nasty enough to leave even the winner injured and vulnerable to other threats.
23* The character fears that winning the fight will trigger some sort of [[GoneHorriblyRight undesirable consequences]]--they'll [[PyrrhicVictory win the battle, but lose the war]].
24* The fight will lead to unwanted collateral damage and possibly loss of civilian life that the character is trying to avoid.
25* The fight would lead to allies or neutral parties joining in and quickly escalating out of control.
26* The characters are in a [[TruceZone neutral area]] and the character doesn't want to risk facing the punishments or complications that come from violating that neutrality. HolyGround functions similarly, but usually involves wanting to avoid violating taboos rather than more concrete punishments. [[BoltOfDivineRetribution Usually]].
27* The character is in disguise or in hiding and can't risk [[CoverBlowingSuperpower blowing their cover to defend themselves]] or attracting enemy authorities for a simple fight.
28* The challenger is considered [[NotWorthKilling so far beneath the challenged character]] that they wouldn't want to waste the effort or face the dishonor of humoring them with a [[CurbstompBattle "fight"]]. This often comes with a suitably impressive display of power from the challenged character to get their point across.
29* The challenger is either [[LetsYouAndHimFight misled]], [[JustifiedCriminal desperate]], or otherwise [[AntiVillain sympathetic]] enough that the challenged character doesn't want to hurt them.
30
31Not to be confused with WhyDidYouMakeMeHitYou which is where the powerful character blames the victim for provoking a one-sided abuse. Compare YouWouldntLikeMeWhenImAngry which covers most situations where a powerful character is trying to deter an attack. Has a similar, but opposite effect to GiveMeAReason, where one character ''does'' want to hurt the other, and ''does'' want the provocation, and certainly will if given.
32
33----
34!!Examples:
35[[foldercontrol]]
36
37[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
38* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'':
39** Captain Kyoraku, one of the oldest captains, shows this on two occasions.
40*** In the Soul Society arc, he encounters a hopelessly inexperienced and outmatched Chad. He doesn't exactly beg for him not to attack, but makes an extensive attempt at parley, clearly for no reason other than the fact he didn't want to hurt him.
41*** During the Fake Karakura Town arc, he (along with Stark) tries to make the point that a duel between such powerful men would be needlessly destructive (when pushed, he [[CombatPragmatist goes to the fucking wall]]). Jushiro Ukitake simultaneously has one of these moments with the fraccion, Lilynette.
42** When Ichigo picks a fight with [[TheExile the Visored]] in order to force them to help him control his [[SuperpoweredEvilSide Hollowfication]], [[TinyTyrannicalGirl Hiyori]] can't stand his attitude and dons her Hollow Mask in order to fight Ichigo, taunting him and telling him to hollowfy if he wants to even the odds. Ichigo refuses to do so, afraid of what he might do if he loses control. While Hiyori initially has Ichigo against the ropes, he turns the tables the moment he loses consciousness and [[TheBerserker hollowfies]], slamming Hiyori against a wall and [[SinisterSuffocation strangling the Hollow out of her]] with one hell of a SlasherSmile plastered on his face until the rest of the Visored pin him down. [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness Hiyori is left on the brink of tears, too stunned and horrified to complain any further.]]
43** [[BloodKnight Kenpachi]] gives a rather humorous variant to Giriko in the Lost Agent arc: it's less "I don't want to fight you because I would kill you" and more "I don't want to fight you because it would be [[CurbStompBattle fucking boring]]". [[DrunkWithPower Giriko]] takes offense to that, however, and buffs himself up to fight Kenpachi, who unamusedly [[HalfTheManHeUsedToBe splits him vertically]] in [[SingleStrokeBattle a single slash]] while [[KilledMidSentence he's still boasting about his alleged superiority.]]
44--->'''Kenpachi:''' [[BondOneLiner See? Fucking boring.]]
45* Late in the second battle over Tokyo in ''Anime/CodeGeass'', Suzaku finds himself in [[NoHoldsBarredBeatdown an insane disadvantage against a furious Kallen]], who warns him that she will destroy him if he does not take the opportunity to retreat. Naturally, given his [[DeathSeeker death wish]], he stays to accept defeat... which is when [[spoiler:his "live" command geass activates and forces him to use the FLEIJA cannon equipped to his Lancelot, forcing a stalemate, and nuking most of Tokyo]]. Whoops.
46* Twice in ''Manga/CodenameSailorV'', [[BookEnds in both the first and the last chapter]]:
47** In the first chapter Sailor V begs the youma Narkissos to stop his attack, as he was also her first love/crush. He doesn't, and to save herself Sailor V hits him with a Crescent Beam, killing him.
48** In the finale Sailor Venus begs Danburite to stand down, as she still sees him as [[spoiler:Ace]] and doesn't want to kill [[spoiler:her love interest]]. He attacks, and Sailor Venus promptly kills him, [[CharacterDevelopment cementing her change into]] TheUnfettered.
49* ''Anime/DragonBallZ'':
50** Gohan begs Cell to give up his plans and surrender peacefully, because Gohan knows that if he should enter his UnstoppableRage mode, he'd utterly annihilate Cell, and he doesn't wish that on anyone, not even a monster like Cell. Cell, however, decides that he wants to see this fantastic power for himself. [[GoneHorriblyRight He gets his wish]], and it does not end well for him.
51** Goku repeatedly warns the Ginyu Force that they don't stand a chance against him and should just scram. They end up trounced by him ([[BadGuysDoTheDirtyWork and finished off by Vegeta]]). He tries something similar when he first goes Super Saiyan in his fight with Frieza, though CruelMercy was also a factor.
52** In a villain example, before Frieza increases his power to 50%, he offers Goku the chance to come work for him, [[SparingTheAces saying it would be a shame to destroy such talent]]. When Goku says no, Frieza is quite upset about it, saying what a complete waste it is, along with how stupid the Saiyans were for not remaining his faithful servants.
53* ''Manga/FullmetalAlchemist'':
54** When Al makes Ed stop trying to beat Tucker to death, and Tucker continues to goad him on. Al tells him that if he doesn't quit, [[BewareTheNiceOnes HE'LL be the one beating Tucker.]] Al is made of nothing but steel like armor at this point, so if he starts beating you, it will hurt a lot more than if Ed gets a shot at you.
55** In "Fullmetal vs. Flame" Col. Mustang has a flashback to Ishval, in a situation with a young soldier he caught off guard, but hesitates to kill. Both Mustang and the boy know that if the kid so much as raises his rifle, Mustang will kill him. The kid does anyway.
56** When Buccaneer asks him to [[YouShallNotPass hold the line against the soldiers still loyal to Amestris]], Greedling warns them first that if they don't want to get hurt or have a family at home, they should leave right now. Those that stay are the victims of a {{Franchise/Terminator}}-inspired rampage.
57* ''Manga/{{Holyland}}'': Masaki says this to King in chapter 140. Obviously, the villain does not listen.
58* In ''Manga/{{Inuyasha}}'', Inuyasha and Kikyo's early interactions consisted of Kikyo pinning Inuyasha to a tree with her arrows and warning him to stay away from her and the Shikon Jewel if he doesn't want to be killed. It's subverted; every time, she gives him the warning, but doesn't go through with it.
59* In the backstory of ''Literature/LegendOfTheGalacticHeroes'', emperor Kornelias I sent emissaries to the Free Planets Alliance to beg them to accept his rule peacefully and negotiate their entry in the Galactic Empire. Three times he sent emissaries, and three times they were laughed out of the Alliance, whose government was still riding high on [[CurbStompBattle their triumph at Dagon]], by then the only large scale confrontation of the war. Then Kornelias personally prepared and led an invasion, [[WhosLaughingNow and bulldozed through the Alliance Star Fleet]] until a palace coup forced him to turn back.
60* ''Anime/LupinIII: Anime/GoemonIshikawasSprayOfBlood'': After he undergoes a revelation about his sword skills, Goemon warns the Inaniwa gang, who want him to take the blame for their boss's death, not to make another move against him or he will kill them all. They do... and he proceeds to [[AnArmAndALeg disarm all of them]].
61* ''Manga/MariaNoDanzai'': Maria doesn't want this with her ex-husband, Taiichiro, who is the inspector in charge of investigating the disappearance of Shikimi and Kowase. While it's still unknown exactly why she didn't bother to tell him about [[NeverSuicide the truth of their son's death]], she sees him as a potential obstacle that could get in the way of her revenge for their son, and her expression when she thinks about him is mainly solemn, showing that she still has some feelings towards him and does not want to fight him.
62* For a {{True Companion|s}} example, ''Manga/OnePiece'' has Luffy saying this to [[spoiler:Usopp]] before their fight.
63** After winning a fight with his former commander Ace, Luffy's EvilCounterpart Blackbeard gives Ace a second chance to join his crew and help him become Pirate King. Ace shoots down the offer.
64* In the first three acts of ''Manga/SazanEyes'', [[BigBadWannabe Madame Huang Shunli]] (a female demon masquerading as a human) has been a loyal ally to the heroes while secretly carrying on her plans to obtain immortality, but still Yakumo got very affectionate to her. To the point that when he discovers undisputable evidence of her plan, he begs her to explain herself ([[GoodIsNotDumb while preparing to defend himself]]) and even when he manages to pin her down at the cost of having two of his limbs turned to stone until her demise, he still refuses to kill her, quoting all the good things she did for him and Pai. [[spoiler:This leads to her having a RedemptionEqualsDeath moment saving Yakumo's life from the real ArcVillain Benares.]]
65[[/folder]]
66
67[[folder:Comic Books]]
68* ''[[Series/{{Angel}} Angel and Faith]]'': [[spoiler: After Angel makes it clear to Whistler that he does not support his [[WellIntentionedExtremist methods]], Whistler snaps, [[TorsoWithAView punches a hole through Angel's stomach]], and comes within a hair's breadth of staking him before he manages to stop and compose himself, remarking that, even after everything that's happened, Angel is still his "favorite kid" and he doesn't want to go through with it. Nonetheless, he warns Angel to stay out of his way because he won't be so lucky next time.]]
69* ''ComicBook/BatmanTheDarkKnightReturns:'' When the government sends in Superman to take down Batman, Supes spends the entirety of their fight begging Bats to just give up because he really ''doesn't'' want to go through with it.
70* ''WesternAnimation/DastardlyAndMuttleyInTheirFlyingMachines'': In "Heroic Dum-Dums" (God Key, Hanna-Barbera Fun-In #4), Dick and Muttley are sent behind the lines to capture Yankee Doodle Pigeon and retrieve his satchel. They eventually capture him (using the "salt the bird's tail" mythology) and hold a cannon to him unless he surrenders his satchel.
71* ''ComicBook/TheDefenders'': In the Matt Fraction's run, the ComicBook/SilverSurfer begs a tiger-headed man to release him, saying "Don't make me do this." The attacker doesn't relent, and the Surfer renders him into atoms.
72* ''ComicBook/MsMarvel1977:'' In issue #13, Hecate says this to an enraged Carol Danvers to try and get her to back down. She privately thinks to herself that it's a half-truth. Since the object Carol is holding in one hand is putting her at PhysicalGod levels, it wouldn't actually be that easy to do it, and she doesn't actually ''want'' to kill Carol anyway.
73* ''ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogArchieComics'': Spoken word for word by Monkey Khan in Universe 39 when he [[spoiler: fights Mecha Sally.]]
74* In a flashback scene in ''ComicBook/{{Supergirl}}'' story ''ComicBook/SupergirlsThreeSuperGirlfriends'', when Brainiac approaches Earth to miniaturize and steal the whole planet, Superman writes a final warning on a meteorite: "If you attack Earth, you'll be destroyed!"
75* ''ComicBook/TheUnstoppableWasp'':
76** In issue 4 of the first volume, Nadia attempts to peacefully resolve a situation between her and wrestling supervillains Poundcakes and Letha. After she's slugged in the face, she drops all pretenses of being nice and shows off the fighting skills she learned in the Red Room.
77** In issues 4 and 5 of the second volume, Nadia's friends within G.I.R.L. confront her while she's in the throws of a Manic episode. They decide the best thing to do is to keep her away from lab until they can get Janet Van Dyne back, which only makes her sleep-deprived irritability worse. It's when Shay snatches her pendant-housed lab that Nadia ends up proving that [[InTheBlood the apple]] [[NoHoldsBarredBeatdown didn't fall]] [[NeverLiveItDown too far]] [[ComicBook/AntMan from the Pym tree]].
78[[/folder]]
79
80[[folder:Fan Works]]
81* ''Fanfic/ADarkerPath'': Atropos has used the phrase "Don't make me come over there" a few times; once, memorably, to the United States House of Representatives. Another time, she told none other than ''Leviathan'' "Fuck off, or you're next." Considering that she'd just one-shotted ''the Simurgh'', he did as he was told.
82* ''Fanfic/AdviceAndTrust'': When Rei brings Kaworu home, she instructs him NOT to touch anything because she's yearning for an excuse to obliterate him. Kaworu assures her that he'll try not to goad her to destroy him.
83-->'''Rei:''' This is my residence. Do not touch anything. My instincts are already demanding your destruction for the invasion, even requested.\
84'''Kaworu:''' ''[smiling]'' I will try not to force you to destroy me.
85* In the sequel to ''Fanfic/AlphaAndOmega'', Shinji calmly requests that Misato order her men to stand down. While the actions of WUNDER have led to the mess they're in, including [[spoiler:Councilor Tevos]] being in a coma and dying, he's willing to resolve the situation without any further violence. However, he also prioritizes [[spoiler:Tevos's]] health over their entire organization and will kill every last one of them if he has to.
86** A few minutes later when confronted with Misato's soldiers, Shinji offers them the same chance. When they decline, he guns them all down and continues on his way.
87* ''Fanfic/AmbienceAFleetSymphony'':
88** In chapter 99, [[spoiler:Shoukaku receives a communication from the Abyssal reinforcements]] warning the Combined Fleet to withdraw, or else.
89** In chapter 106, after another incident that threatens the unity of the fleet, Sanford says that the ship girls had better stop pushing their luck, unless they want him to start giving out punishments.
90* In the ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'' fic ''[[FanFic/BoundDestiniesTrilogy Blood and Spirit]]'', when Link is briefly [[DemonicPossession overtaken]] by Majora and sent to attack Zelda, Fi intervenes, stating that, while she does not want to fight her master, she will do what she has to do to protect her creator.
91* The last chapters of ''Fanfic/CleavesCutsAndCracks'' has [[spoiler: Spinel]] choosing between an old friend and the Crystal Gems. She begs the Gems to stop since she doesn't want anyone harmed which [[spoiler: tragically leads to her demise.]]
92* ''Fanfic/DarthVaderHeroOfNaboo'': At the conclusion of [[spoiler:his staged attack on the Jedi Temple]], Vader bluntly tells the Jedi Council that he won't start any further conflicts with the Jedi, but he'll sure as hell ''finish'' them.
93* In ''[[https://forum.questionablequesting.com/threads/enter-the-dragon-harry-potter-shadowrun.7861/ Enter the Dragon]]'', Dumbledore learns that Lucius Malfoy was responsible for the possessions and attacks at school, but the evidence isn't admissible in court, putting Dumbledore in a quandary: he is oath-bound to protect his students, but he doesn't want to undermine the laws he has worked hard to reform by forcing shortcuts through. So, instead, he summons Lucius and makes it clear that if anything of the kind happens again, then Dumbledore will keep the law by ''freely accepting the punishment'' for murdering Lucius and as many as possible like him.
94* Chapter 5 of ''Fanfic/TheGoodHunter'' has Cyril encountered by a clergyman, William Noscrim, who intends to recruit the Hunter in [[TheOrder the Order of the Chief God]]'s ranks. Cyril warns William not to waste his time, and that "someone is not coming back home in one piece" should he start a fight. The clergyman orders his daughter Wilmarina to remind the Hunter of his place, [[CurbStompBattle which ended up in vain]]. Cyril later gives William another warning: send anyone after him, these people die; send her daughter after him, his bloodline ends.
95* ''Fanfic/TheKeysStandAlone: The Soft World'': “Don't make me hurt you!” the panicking ActualPacifist Paul screams at his captor, Keemerleen, who is at the moment much stronger than Paul and is holding onto him to keep him out of the fight that has broken out as several factions try to separate, depower, and imprison the four. Keemerleen just laughs, so Paul in desperation [[DeadlyUpgrade goes to high strength]]... which does not end well for either him or Keemerleen.
96* ''Fanfic/TheLogiaBrothers'': At Whiskey Peak, once Baroque Works learns just how high the Straw Hats' bounties are, Luffy offers that if they don't try anything, it'll be no harm no foul and the crew will simply leave after their Log Pose resets. Unfortunately for them, the Baroque Works agents are overconfident and try fighting them anyway, which doesn't end well for any of them.
97* In ''Fanfic/NeonMetathesisEvangelion'', Kaworu pleads with Arael to leave before he's forced to kill another sibling.
98* ''Fanfic/TheNightUnfurls'':
99** The Hunter is guaranteed to win any fight he gets into due to his bewildering strength and speed. When he encounters potentially hostile people, there are times where he would rather not cause harm and decide to warn them not to mess with him. The warning may or may not be heeded.
100*** Chapter 3 of the original version has Kyril, Olga and Chloe reaching the gates of Ken, only to be stopped by two guards who are not happy with dark elves entering the gates. The Hunter grabs one of the guards' gorgets and warns them to get out of his way -- should they draw their swords, they would be dead before they leave their scabbards. The two let the trio pass under threat of death.
101*** The following exchange in Chapter 8 of the original version occurs when Kyril is faced with nine {{mooks}} who intend to block his way to Beasley, showcasing what happens when people don't heed his advice.
102---->'''Kyril''': I will give you two choices: you let me through and I walk past you in peace... or you charge me, and '''I walk through what's left of you when I'm done.'''\
103({{Beat}})\
104'''Kyril''': No? [[PreAsskickingOneLiner Well, then you're all braver than I thought]]. ''*[[AudibleSharpness shink]]*''
105*** Kyril doesn't explicitly warn Claudia when she intends to settle their accounts via TrialByCombat in Chapter 8 of the original version. Instead, he asks, "Are you sure about this?". Given that [[DramaticIrony the readers already know]] that Kyril is simply more powerful, his question carries an implicit message that she will lose if she fights him.
106*** Kyril's company enters a confrontation with the Wild Ones in Chapter 21 of the original version, because TheChiefsDaughter is in the former's care. Kyril prefers the easy way, so he states that should the chieftain and his men are looking for a fight, they will get one, but it won't end in their favour. The two parties end up negotiating.
107*** In Chapter 2 of the remastered version, Alicia is not pleased with Kyril supposedly approaching her cousin Prim, so she threatens to cut him down. Kyril warns her, "You will die trying", leading to a suspenseful moment where either one of them is seemingly about to make a move. He then ends the conversation and leaves, much to the astonishment of others.
108*** In Chapter 5 of the remastered version, Kyril is ordered to capture, rather than kill, Olga. When the two meet, he tries to convince Olga to surrender, warning her not to mistake his warning for lack of resolve. She responds by [[PlayingWithFire burning]] him, thinking that will OneHitKill him. Unfortunately for her, Kyril is [[NoSell unharmed]], and after giving her a chilling "IWarnedYou", he proceeds to [[CurbStompBattle kick her ass]].
109*** In Chapter 7 of the remastered version, Chloe is not happy with Kyril disciplining her, so she puts a hand on the hilt of her dagger. Kyril would rather not harm her in order to get her liege lady to cooperate, but he warns Chloe against doing anything silly, lest she lose her hands. Chloe obliges.
110*** In Chapter 8 of the remastered version, Kyril and the Black Dogs enter a confrontation. Kyril warns the latter not to draw their swords, or else, he will cripple them permanently. The leader, Morgan, gets kicked across the room for not listening. He only manages to survive the chapter because Kyril lets him retreat.
111** In Chapter 20 of the original version, Lily tells a lead thug that [[GoodIsNotSoft there will be violence]] if he doesn't sheath his weapon. The thug [[ISurrenderSuckers complies and immediately tries to grab her]], which proves to be a big mistake as he soon finds himself pinned on the floor with her Church Pick stabbing his shoulder. Even worse, said thug gets brought back for interrogation [[ColdBloodedTorture the hard way]].
112* ''Fanfic/OnceMoreWithFeeling'': In chapter 9 [[FieryRedhead Asuka]] quotes the trope verbatim after Shinji [[BelligerentSexualTension gets on her nerves]]:
113-->'''Asuka''': Third Child [...] Come with me.\
114'''Shinji''' ''[to Misato]'': You have no idea how long I've waited to hear her say that…\
115'''Asuka''': Don't make me destroy you.
116* In ''FanFic/OriginStory'', Alex Harris has this reaction whenever someone tries to fight her. She knows she's going to win, and is constantly afraid of hurting people, but also doesn't believe in ''not'' putting a person who is a threat to her down as hard as possible.
117* ''Run Leia Run'' (''Franchise/StarWars'' spoof animation)
118-->'''Darth Vader''': Bring me my shuttle.\
119'''Stormtrooper''': Sir, that line's been changed to "Alert the Star Destroyer to prepare for my arrival."\
120'''Darth Vader''': Don't make me destroy you.
121* In crossover ''Fanfic/PointMeAtTheSkyrim'', Antares -- a super-hero -- bluntly warns a group of bandits that she'll destroy them if they don't leave her alone. They don't, so she does.
122-->'''Antares:''' "In any case, you leave us the fuck alone, and I don't destroy you."
123* ''Fanfic/{{Security}}'': After Mike stops working as a guard at Winslow High, he doesn't want to come back, but his replacements are struggling with the rebellious student body. So he addresses all the students at an assembly, and makes it clear that if they don't shape up, he ''will'' have to come back, and he will be unhappy about it.
124--> '''Mike:''' And guess who I'd take it out on.
125* ''FanFic/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtlesOutOfTheShadows'': Saki attempts this in the prologue, trying to convince Kasumi to join his Foot Clan rather than share Yoshi's fate. Kasumi turns him down flat.
126* In ''FanFic/ThisBites'', Cross offers to let Fukuro go if he simply stands down, as he wasn't involved in Robin's kidnapping and is JustFollowingOrders. Fukuro admits that he'd gladly take them up on the offer if not for Lucci's orders to fight them; while the Straw Hats scared him, the leopard-man scared him more.
127* ''Fanfic/TyrantlyEverAfter'': Valvatorez finds himself faced with a SadisticChoice where in order to keep his promise to Fenrich, he's forced to attack one of his beloved allies: [[spoiler:Artina herself]]. After hobbling his target, he pleads with them to let him TakeAThirdOption and talk them down rather than finishing them off.
128* ''Fanfic/VowOfTheKing'':
129** Ichigo asks Cirucci to stand down, insisting they don't have to fight so long as she doesn't support Aizen. When she insists, she finds herself on the wrong end of a Single-Stroke Battle.
130** Orihime always asks her opponent to not force her to fight due to her distaste for violence.
131* ''Fanfic/WithThisRing'': When Paul studies the rule of Lord Malvolio, an immensely powerful Green Lantern, his impression is that Malvolio's general ruling principle has been "don't make me come over there." If a problem draws his personal ire, he will use overwhelming force to squash it.
132* In the ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'' fanfiction ''[[http://www.fimfiction.net/story/119688/1/you-obey/the-interrogation You Obey]]'', Shadowfax is threatened with this by her interrogator. He makes good on his threats in a non-lethal but gruesome way.
133[[/folder]]
134
135[[folder:Films — Animated]]
136* ''WesternAnimation/LiloAndStitch'':
137-->'''Jumba:''' Don't make me shoot you. You were expensive.
138* ''WesternAnimation/ThePrinceOfEgypt'': In the scene immediately preceding the plague of the firstborn, Moses practically begs Rameses not to let things continue, all the while staring at Rameses's son...who is a firstborn. Rameses not only refuses to release the Hebrews, but decides to finish what Seti started years ago by wiping them all out, vowing that "And there shall be a great cry in all of Egypt, such as never has been or ever will be again!". From here, Moses has little choice but to resign himself to the final plague.
139-->'''Moses''': ...Rameses, you bring this upon yourself.
140* Part of Mojo Jojo's WeCanRuleTogether speech from ''WesternAnimation/ThePowerpuffGirlsMovie'' ("We are kindred spirits whose powers spring from the same source, so, girls, ''do not make me destroy you!''"), resulting in a very painful ShutUpHannibal.
141[[/folder]]
142
143[[folder:Films — Live-Action]]
144* In ''Film/BatmanVSupermanDawnOfJustice'', while [[Franchise/{{Superman}} Clark]] has previously warned [[Franchise/{{Batman}} Bruce]] that he'll take him down if Bruce doesn't stop being the Batman, by the time of their actual fight, he's realised that Comicbook/LexLuthor is the real threat, and wants Bruce's help to [[spoiler: rescue his mother, whom Lex is holding hostage]]. When his initial attempts to talk to Bruce fail as Bruce just attacks him before he can finish his sentence, Clark shows how powerful he is in an attempt to convince Bruce that if he was here to fight, Bruce wouldn't stand a chance. Unfortunately, this fails to convince Bruce, who just breaks out the [[KryptoniteFactor Kryptonite]].
145-->'''Superman''': Stay down! If I wanted it, you'd be dead already!
146* In ''Film/BlackHawkDown'', Specialist Mike Kurth sees a woman about to pick up a gun. He yells for her not to do it. When she does, another Ranger shoots her, taking the choice out of Kurth's hands.
147* Cap to [[spoiler: Bucky]] at the end of ''Film/CaptainAmericaTheWinterSoldier''. [[spoiler: After all, he doesn't want to be forced to kill his best friend.]]
148* The climax of ''Film/{{Chronicle}}'' becomes this when Andrew goes berserk with power [[spoiler:after his mother dies and [[AbusiveParents his father]] berates him for it]]. Matt, whom had been spending the entire 2nd half of the movie convincing Andrew to calm down and control his telekinetic power, continuously pleads Andrew to stop or he'd be forced to do this. [[spoiler: Sadly, Andrew doesn't listen, and [[ShootTheDog Matt is forced to do what he has to do]]]]...
149* ''Film/{{Dragonheart}}'':
150-->'''Draco:''' I don't want to kill you; I never did! And I don't want you to kill me! [Bowen looks at Draco] How do we gain? If you win, you lose a trade. If I win, I wait around for the next sword slinger thirsting to carve a reputation out of my hide. And I'm ''tired'' of lurking in holes and skulking in darkness. I'm gonna let you up now, and if you insist, we can pursue this fracas to its final stupidity... or... you can listen to my alternative.
151* Shows up in the second of Eddie Murphy's ''Film/DrDolittle'' movies. The good doctor wants to introduce Archie to Ava in hopes of preserving their species. Ava is not impressed.
152-->'''Ava, to Dr. Dolittle''': Oh, don't make me eat you.
153* Near the end of ''Film/TheEliteSquad'', Nascimento tries to get a mook to spill the beans on Baiano's location without having to torture. Unfortunately, the dumbass doesn't get the message...
154* The second half of 2010's B-movie ''Half Moon'' consists largely of the werewolf, Jacob, cuffed to a chair, held at gunpoint by the prostitute, Rose. She's trying to convince him to give her the combination to his safe so she can take the money to appease her pimp, while he's trying to convince her to leave with the money he's already given her (he needs the rest to pay for anti-lycanthropy treatments) before he transforms and kills them.
155* ''Film/InTheLineOfFire'': Would-be assassin Mitch Leary is toying with Secret Service agent Frank Horrigan. He doesn't actually want to harm Frank, though, [[DontMakeMeDestroyYou unless he actually gets in the way of his plan]].
156* Every time Mr. Miyagi of ''Film/TheKarateKid'' is confronted by someone hostile, he asks them not to make him fight until they throw the first punch. If they do that (and almost all of them do just that), he proceeds to mop the floor with them.
157* Said almost word for word in the original ''Film/MenInBlack'', during the famous pawnshop scene. NYPD detective James Edwards and "Agent K" from a vague yet menacing government agency are giving a pawnbroker and alleged black market ArmsDealer the GoodCopBadCop treatment when K suddenly straight up puts a bullet through the guy's head. An understandably appalled Edwards immediately trains his own weapon on K and repeatedly orders him to drop the weapon and put his hands up, his exact words being "Don't make me shoot you!" But then things get weird...
158* ''Film/TheNightFlier'': While Dees is pursuing Dwight, Dwight himself has also been stalking Dees for much of the film. When they actually do confront each other at the end, Dwight attempts to make Dees see reason and not meddle in the affairs of a real monster. Dees refuses to let it go, so Dwight finally relents and shows Dees his NightmareFace before feeding him his own blood to show him a vision of what awaits him in hell.
159* During Kyuuzou's early duel scene in ''Film/SevenSamurai'' it's mentioned by a spectator that Kyuuzou asked his challenger not to duel him, because he would certainly be killed. SingleStrokeBattle ensues and Kyuuzou is notably saddened by the outcome.
160** Pay attention during the practice duel. Kyuuzou clearly landed a killing blow (if they weren't wielding bamboo shoots).
161* ''Film/SpiesLikeUs''. The two title spies are undergoing harsh training and ask to quit.
162-->'''Colonel Rhumbus:''' Boys, it would be a shame to have to kill you now.
163* ''Franchise/StarWars'':
164** The TropeNamer is ''Film/TheEmpireStrikesBack''. Darth Vader has Luke trapped and defenseless. Vader knows Luke is the best hope the rebel alliance has for victory, and as such he should really kill him, but there is their [[LukeIAmYourFather familial relationship]] to consider; Vader has found out rather recently that [[ItWasHisSled Luke is his son]], and as such would rather not kill him.
165** Happens ''twice'' in ''Film/RevengeOfTheSith''. Anakin, knowing he is the ChosenOne, says "Don't make me kill you", but at the end of that duel, [[GeoEffects Obi-Wan has the high ground]] and realizes that Anakin is about to do something really stupid in his blind rage. Obi-Wan's reply? "Don't try it," in an exasperated, almost pleading tone.
166*** The novelization has another moment, when future Imperial commander Lorth Needa, commanding two old and battle-damaged ships, demanded Grievous surrendered or else he'd have his ship destroyed. Grievous obviously didn't take him seriously... Forgetting that his ship had damaged engines due Needa's previous actions and that he could [[SummonBiggerFish call for back-up]]-[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czvVyOcxAxQ as he did]].
167* In ''Film/{{Taken}}'', Bryan Mills delivers a courteous, but chilling warning to the sex traffickers that have just taken his daughter, telling them that if they don't let her go, he will hunt them down and kill them. They don't listen. And Bryan makes good on his word.
168* In ''Film/TheTenCommandments1956'', Seti, Moses' adopted father, is visibly distraught as Moses keeps digging himself a deeper and deeper hole in regards to his murder of a slave master. Seti must hold his adopted son accountable in the law, but does not want to sentence his own son to death -- he eventually settles on exile and [[UnPerson striking Moses' existence from all Egyptian records]].
169-->'''Seti:''' Why are you ''forcing'' me to destroy you?
170* In ''Film/YoungGunsII'' (and various other depictions of the life of UsefulNotes/BillyTheKid, such as ''Film/PatGarrettAndBillyTheKid''), for a period of time Billy is captured and while in captivity he makes friends with one of the deputies, an amiable but dim-witted man named James Bell. When Billy makes an escape attempt, he gets the drop on Bell, and despite pulling a hidden gun and warning Bell not to do anything, Bell makes a move of some kind. (In the ''Young Guns'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ5lZPc3664 version]] he starts raising the rifle he's holding as though he might shoot Billy, in ''Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKdROAvZXvg version]] he gambles that Billy wouldn't shoot him in the back and turns to walk out of the jail and get assistance from another deputy). After Bell ignores his warnings, Billy promptly shoots him.
171[[/folder]]
172
173[[folder:Literature]]
174* Sun Tzu advised this in ''Literature/{{The Art of War|SunTzu}}'', saying that "supreme excellence" in wartime isn't winning every battle, but making the enemy back down without fighting. He thus advised a general to make it known to the enemy that, should they escalate a conflict, they would be swiftly and mercilessly destroyed.[[note]]Though a lot of what Sun Tzu advised would now be considered war crimes, the sentiment was to express the idea of "I don't want to fight you, because if I do, I will show you no mercy."[[/note]]
175* A variant is used in the short story "A Family Resemblance" from ''Literature/TheAssociatesOfSherlockHolmes.'' Mycroft Holmes deduces that Professor Moriarty's brother has turned to crime and offers him a chance at redemption, along with a warning not to make someone else destroy him.
176--> '''Mycroft:''' A shame I never got to meet your brother, and it might be a bigger shame still if you were to have to meet mine.
177* Averted in ''Literature/ABrothersPrice'': Captain Tern knows that, if she tries to force entry to the Whistler household, the Whistler girls (the oldest one who is at home at the time is about sixteen) will fight to death, regardless of what she says, as they have brothers to protect. She's not keen on killing little girls, so she decides to wait until the Queen's Justice arrives and sorts it out. She explains this thought process to Princess Rensellaer when asked why she's willing to wait for what could be hours. (Captain Tern would have to kill the girls, as it is her duty to protect the royal family, regardless of how stupid the princesses act. Fortunately, Rensellaer agrees that they should avoid a confrontation).
178* ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'':
179** ''Literature/SmallFavor'' has Harry witnessing this type of confrontation. On one side is a human possessed by a FallenAngel who takes the form of a powerful gorilla. On the other side, there is the Eldest Gruff, champion of Queen Titania and, based on the three purple shrouds he wears on a belt, killer of three Senior Councilmembers of the White Council of Wizards in his long life. Both want Harry for their own reasons and the Fallen refuses to back down, despite the Gruff asking him too. He has no conflict with the Fallen, but will defend himself if attacked. It is a quick and painless death for the Fallen's host.
180** ''Literature/SkinGame'': Harry gives this to a warlock [[spoiler:named Hannah Ascher, who is possessed by a Fallen who really hates Harry]]. Harry pleads with the warlock to not attack again, to ignore the lies she has been told and stand down. The warlock, fueled by her deep hatred for Harry, launches a powerful fire magic attack. [[spoiler:Harry creates a wind shield infused by Soulfire, the opposite of Hellfire, and redirects the blast once again into the ceiling over them. The warlock was so focused on Harry, she didn't notice this was seriously damaging the ceiling until tonnes of rock fell on both of them. Harry was saved only by casting a shield]].
181** The [[ThePaladin Knights of the Cross]] will try and give these to their enemies if combat permits it. If they can, they will stay their hand on striking the enemy to offer them a chance at redemption and walking away from evil. If the enemy chooses to continue to fight, then the Knight will strike with all their heart against the foe.
182** Strength of a River in His Shoulders is a bigfoot who occasionally hires Harry for jobs involving River's half-bigfoot half-human son, Irwin. In "Bigfoot on Campus" [[spoiler:a noble from the White Court of Vampires]] is threatening and trying to kill Irwin. River makes a big entrance to the scene by throwing the villain's car through Irwin's dorm room window. Said dorm is on the fourth floor. Once River walks in by the entrance he made, he stares at the villain and his ghoul mooks but doesn't continue the attack. He makes a non-verbal version of this trope. The ghouls and villain don't accept it, attack, and River wipes the floor with the twenty-odd ghouls.
183* Creator/JRRTolkien's ''Literature/TheFallOfNumenor'': When the Númenoreans are preparing to invade Aman (the land inhabited by the angels appointed by God to give shape to the world), the Valar send all kind of ill omens and warnings (eagle-shaped clouds stretching through the West, storms shaking the island, lightning bolts striking Sauron's temple, smoke rising from the peak the mount Meneltarma, giant flaming-colored eagles flying over the fleet threateningly...) to dissuade the Númenoreans (and warn the non-evil inhabitants they need to pack up and leave the island NOW). Yet still the Númenoreans choose to ignore their warnings, try to invade Aman and are destroyed.
184* In ''Literature/FengshenYanyi'', is not uncommon for the virtuous Chan Taoists to try to talk their way out of a deadly fight against the evil Jie Taoists and urge them to leave if they don't want to lose their lives meaninglessly. Sadly, their opponents are usually annoyed by what they perceive as patronizing arrogance and attack them anyway.
185* ''Literature/HonorHarrington'', during peace talks after decade-long wars:
186-->"Speaking for myself, as an individual, and not for my Star Empire or my Queen, I implore you to accept Her Majesty's proposal. I've killed too many of your people over the last twenty T-years, and your people have killed too many of mine. Don't make me kill any more, Madame President. Please."
187** This starts becoming par for the course when the Manticorans start having regular encounters with the Solarian League Navy. The SLN is so big [[WeHaveReserves its reserves have reserves]], but it is also so painfully obsolete that those numbers amount to very little, prompting Manticoran officers to make it clear just how easily they could be destroyed. It's the rare Solly officer who has the intelligence and/or moral courage to KnowWhenToFoldEm.
188* ''Literature/JourneyToChaos'': When royal guards came to arrest Mia on false charge of sedition, she warned them not to make her leave [[HomeBase the guild lobby]]. [[spoiler:Her hammerspace ate them.]]
189* ''Literature/TheLastDaysOfKrypton'': Zod delays attacking Argo City after its mayor turns against him due to Zor-El's earlier cooperation with him in eliminating environmental threats to the planet and because he doesn't want to alienate Zor-El's brother. He also gives Zor-El an hour to surrender peacefully when his army marches towards Argo City. However, once Zor-El outsmarts and humiliates Zod by unveiling a new energy shield that protects Argo City, this attitude vanishes, and Zod becomes ''very'' willing to destroy Zor-El (not that he succeeds).
190* ''Literature/LegendsAndLattes'': The problem with the Madrigal's ProtectionRacket isn't that Viv, former BarbarianHero turned café owner, can't handle it--between herself and her friends she could easily destroy the whole mob--but that she doesn't want to go back to that life or to get her coffee shop caught up in it. [[spoiler:The Madrigal winds up negotiating with her to give payment in pastries instead.]]
191* In ''Literature/TheScumVillainsSelfSavingSystemRenZhaFanpaiZijiuXitong'', after Liu Qingge [[spoiler:finally manages to retrieve Shen Yuan's corpse]], Luo Binghe warns the former that it was only for Shen Yuan's sake that he didn't kill him each time he defeated him, and he might change this mind this time around.
192* In ''Literature/ShadowOfTheConqueror,'' Daylen says this to [[spoiler: Ahrek and Lyrah]] after figuring out his EleventhHourSuperpower, telling them flat-out that they can't defeat him even together. As he [[HeroAntagonist isn't willing to kill them for any reason]], what he's actually threatening to do is [[GoodThingYouCanHeal injure them enough that they can't keep fighting]].
193* In ''Literature/SpaceGlass'', Marvelous and the Marauder are both hesitant to fight the Blackstar Mercenaries, giving them almost every chance to withdraw. Marvelous even begs the military not to oppose him because he doesn't want to have to use the World Eater.
194* ''Franchise/StarWarsLegends'': Heroic examples occur several times during the ''Literature/XWingSeries'', when before or during a fight someone--usually [[AcePilot Wedge Antilles]]--will announce his rank, his name, and his affiliation, and then offer the enemy the chance to either surrender or, sometimes, cease fighting and escape. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. When it doesn't he and his forces invariably annihilate the enemy forces, though not always without [[MauveShirt casualties]].
195* ''Literature/StarWarsThrawnAscendancyLesserEvil'': [[BigBad Jixtus]] issues a double threat to his "ally" of the Kilji Illumine:
196-->'''Jixtus:''' We can crush the Illumine like boulders that can be turned to fine sand, or we can twist your culture, your lives, and your very souls to do our bidding. Do not force me to choose which of those fates would be the more satisfying.
197* ''Literature/TheWarGods'': Wencit to the wizards of Kontovar in ''The War Maid's Choice''. Paraphrased, "This is the only warning, I know all your plans, if you try to go through with any of them or in any way seek to hurt the woman in question, I will release the spell to raze your continent. None of you will escape and it will become such a ruined, barren wasteland that it will be a hundred thousand years before any sign of life reemerges."
198* ''Franchise/TheWitcher'': Geralt warns a [[Literature/SnowWhite Snow]] [[TragicVillain White]] {{Expy}} that this will happen [[AlasPoorVillain when they fight]]. Though to be fair, his fighting style provides few non-lethal tools for dealing with dangerous opponents.
199* In ''Literature/WolfHall'', Thomas Cromwell does everything he can think of to get Thomas More to sign the Oath of Supremacy recognizing Henry VIII as head of the Church in England rather than the Pope. He stalls, sends in More's family, tells him basically to cross his fingers and sign, and asks if he's really unafraid of death as he drags out the matter until Henry's patience is at its limit. Though he admits he ''is'' afraid of the axe, More refuses to betray his principles, so Cromwell shrugs his shoulders and gets on with the KangarooCourt.
200* In ''Literature/TheZombieKnight'', the Rainlords of Sair basically say this with their motto, which is "The rain fears not the torch."
201[[/folder]]
202
203[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
204* ''Series/BabylonFive'': Commonly heard from human commanders: "Surrender or be destroyed." Sheridan, being a goody two-shoes, instructs his crew to target the engines and weapons systems.
205--> '''Sheridan''': We're trying to disable them, not destroy them.
206** When Delenn arrives with several Minbari ships to protect Babylon 5 from an attack by Clark-loyalists, she and the loyalist captain trade a few of these. [[BadassBoast Delenn's are more convincing]], and the loyalists retreat.
207--->'''Delenn''': This is Ambassador Delenn of the Minbari. Babylon 5 is under our protection. Withdraw, or be destroyed.\
208'''Capt. Drake''': Negative, we have authority here. Do not force us to engage your ships.\
209'''Delenn''': Why not? Only one human captain has survived battle against a Minbari fleet. ''He'' is behind me. ''You'' are in front of me. If you value your lives, ''be somewhere else''.
210* From ''Series/{{Battlestar Galactica|2003}}'', when Kara and Sam reunite after New Caprica:
211-->'''Kara:''' [to Sam] I'm in a different place now. I... I, I don't know how else to explain it to you, but I got out of that cell and it's like someone painted the world in different colors. And I look at you and I want to tear your eyes out just for looking at me. I just want to hurt someone and it might as well be you. So you should probably go before that happens.
212** Earlier in the series, after Kara admits that [[spoiler:she was indirectly responsible for Zak's death by clearing him to fly a fighter he didn't have the skills for]], Adama tells her "Walk out of this room... while you still can."
213* ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'':
214** PlayedForLaughs when Xander is fighting a demon-possessed Cordelia.
215--->"Cordelia! I don't wanna hurt you... [[BelligerentSexualTension some of the time]]."
216** Willow says this to Xander at the end of Season 6, when he stops her from destroying the world.
217** When Angel makes it clear that he will not support Whistler's methods, Whistler loses his temper, puts his fist through Angel's gut, and comes dangerously close to staking him before managing to stop himself, remarking that even after everything that's happened, Angel is still his "favorite kid" and he doesn't want to kill him. However, he nonetheless departs while warning Angel to stay out of his way or he would be forced to.
218* ''Series/DoctorWho'':
219** The Ninth Doctor, in [[Recap/DoctorWhoS27E5WorldWarThree "World War Three"]], offers the Slitheen the chance to walk away and live. As becomes common with villains in the new series, they don't take it.
220** The Tenth Doctor regularly does the LastSecondChance version to his enemies.
221*** From [[Recap/DoctorWhoS28E3SchoolReunion "School Reunion"]]:
222---->'''Ten:''' I'm so old now... I used to have so much mercy... You get ''one'' warning. That was it.
223*** [[Recap/DoctorWho2006CSTheRunawayBride "The Runaway Bride"]]: He gives the Racnoss Empress an offer to take her and her children to another planet. When she refuses... KillItWithWater ensues.
224*** [[Recap/DoctorWhoS30E5ThePoisonSky "The Poison Sky"]] has him put his own life at risk to give the Sontarans a chance to surrender. But they're far too egocentric, and decide having him blown up with them is worth it, so it takes someone else's HeroicSacrifice to save the Doctor.
225** The Eleventh Doctor gets in on this, too.
226--->'''Eleven:''' No plans, no backup, no weapons worth a damn. Oh, and something else I don't have: anything to lose. So, if you're sitting up there with your silly little spaceships and your silly little guns and you've any plans on taking the Pandorica tonight; just remember who's standing in your way. Remember every black day I ever stopped you and then, AND THEN, do the smart thing. ''[{{beat}}]'' [[VictoryThroughIntimidation Let somebody else try first.]]\
227— [[Recap/DoctorWhoS31E12ThePandoricaOpens "The Pandorica Opens"]]\
228'''Eleven:''' You gave me hope and then you took it away. That's enough to make anyone dangerous. God only knows what it will do to ''me''. Basically, '''''RUN!!!'''''\
229— "[[Recap/DoctorWhoS32E4TheDoctorsWife The Doctor's Wife]]"\
230''and''\
231'''Eleven:''' Good men don't need rules. Today is not the day to find out ''[[TheFettered why I have so many.]]''\
232— "[[Recap/DoctorWhoS32E7AGoodManGoesToWar A Good Man Goes to War]]"
233** Twelve in [[Recap/DoctorWhoS35E10FaceTheRaven "Face the Raven"]] almost goes a bit War Doctor when he threatens Ashildr. [[spoiler:When Clara is about to be killed by the Quantum Shade, he basically turns into the Master, "I'll bring UNIT, I'll bring the Zygons, give me a minute, I'll bring the Daleks, and the Cybermen. You will save Clara. And you will do it NOW. Or I will rain hell on you for the rest of time." "I can do whatever the hell I like. You've read the stories, you know who I am. And in all of that time, did you ever hear about anyone who stopped me?" He even brazenly admits to not acting in the name of the Doctor any more, which is very very scary.]] He only seems to back off when [[spoiler:Clara orders him not to insult her memory with revenge; even then, his last words to Ashildr are "I was lost a long time ago, she was saving you, I'll do my best, but I strongly advise you to keep out of my way", punctuated with an exhalation that seethes with blood curdling rage: "You'll find it's a very small universe when I'm angry with you."]]
234** In ''Series/TheSarahJaneAdventures'' we see that this behaviour tends to rub off on companions.
235* Mal does this [[UnsettlingGenderReveal while dressed as a woman]] in ''{{Series/Firefly}}'':
236-->"If your hand touches metal, I swear by my pretty floral bonnet I will end you."
237* ''Series/{{JAG}}'': When [[RankScalesWithAsskicking Admiral Chegwidden]], a former Navy SEAL, gets into a scrape with a Italian mafioso:
238-->'''Admiral:''' Signor Amati, many people have tried to kill me one time or another. [[BadassBoast They're mostly dead.]] So there's a good chance that your brother-in-law will join them if he does come after me... Does he have other sons?\
239'''Enrico Amati:''' Uno.\
240'''Admiral:''' When he comes, I'll regrettably kill him too. And after him?\
241'''Enrico Amati:''' My sister will expect me to uphold the honor of mi familia.\
242'''Admiral:''' Then I'll have to kill you. I don't want to have to do that.\
243'''Enrico Amati:''' ''[in Italian]'' You're either a very ''bold'' man, or crazy!\
244'''Admiral:''' ''[In Italian]'' Not crazy. Practical.
245* ''Series/MakoMermaidsAnH2OAdventure'':
246** After realizing that Mimmi's attempt at remotely removing Evie's mermaid powers was a bad idea, Sirena rushes to the café and finds Cam standing guard at the walk-in refrigerator. Cam refuses to let her pass, so she threatens to turn him into sandwich tuna. He complies right after.
247** Erik considers the rest of the Mako gang his friends, but he also thinks he knows better than them, and is willing to bloodbend them if it means he gets what he wants. Zac and Cam both end up getting magically manhandled by him, while Mimmi knew better than to even try to fight him.
248* Happens repeatedly when Series/{{Merlin|2008}} is cornered. He doesn't want to kill people with his magic (and he usually has to kill them to prevent his secret getting out) so he tries to warn them off in advance. Sadly, it never works.
249* ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'': Riker, to his new girlfriend Yuta, who turned out to be a villain (the misguided type).
250* ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine'': [[spoiler:Under orders from Enabran Tain, Garak, after hours of torturing Odo for information regarding the Dominion, pleads with Odo to say anything, even encouraging him to lie so he has an excuse to turn off the torture device]]
251* ''Series/StarTrekPicard'': When Elnor faces a potential enemy, he draws his sword and warns them, "Please, my friend(s). Choose to live." (In Romulan, it's ''"Feldor stam torret."'') Those who disregard his warning [[OffWithHisHead end up a head short]] or with a SlashedThroat, after which he may say, "[[BondOneLiner I regret your choice.]]"
252* In ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'', Lucifer begs Gabriel, his beloved younger brother, not to stand against him, and says this trope nearly word for word. Gabriel retorts that "No one ''makes'' us do anything", a criticism of Lucifer's tendency to [[NeverMyFault blame others]] for his own actions, and attacks him. It doesn't work out well for Gabriel.
253[[/folder]]
254
255[[folder:Music]]
256* In ''Music/CageTheElephant'''s "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked", the protagonist is accosted by a mugger who states that he doesn't want to hurt him, but will if he has to.
257-->''Not even 15 minutes later, I'm still walking down the street\
258When I saw the shadow of a man creep out of sight\
259And then he swept up from behind and put a gun up to my head\
260He made it clear he wasn't looking for a fight\
261He said, "Give me all you got. I want your money, not your life.\
262But if you try to make a move I won't think twice."''
263[[/folder]]
264
265[[folder:Myths & Religion]]
266* Myth/MesopotamianMythology: In one of the more famous myths about the Mesopotamian goddess Ishtar, she descends into TheUnderworld but is denied entrance. She calmly gives the following response:
267-->If thou openest not the gate to let me enter,\
268I will break the door, I will wrench the lock,\
269I will smash the door-posts, I will force the doors.\
270I will bring up the dead to eat the living.\
271And the dead will outnumber the living.
272* UsefulNotes/{{Christianity}}: In Christian doctrine, everyone is born damned due to Original Sin making everyone TheCorruptible. However, God wishes for everyone to become part of His family by repenting and acknowledging Jesus. Even if you are saved, you can lose it by being TheHedonist, and get "cast out unto the Devil for the destruction of thy flesh," although you can gain it back by acknowledging your misdeeds and truly repenting, as illustrated by [[Literature/TheFourGospels the parable of the Prodigal Son]].
273* ''Literature/TheBible'': Pharaoh Neco of Egypt says this to King Josiah of Judah when the king tried to engage him in battle in 2nd Chronicles 35:21 (which unfortunately went unheeded and led to Josiah's death):
274-->''“What is the issue between you and me, king of Judah? I have not come against you today but I am fighting another dynasty. God told me to hurry. Stop opposing God who is with me; don’t make him destroy you!"'' (Christian Standard Bible)
275[[/folder]]
276
277[[folder:Video Games]]
278* ''VideoGame/DemonHunterTheReturnOfTheWings'': [[spoiler:Elen initially spares Perna so she would join him in the new world, but]] after a couple of warnings he tries to attack her for real.
279* ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry4'': Right before the BossBattle with Credo, Nero explicitly tells him to back down, not wanting to hurt him for the sake of Kyrie, Credo's sister and Nero's LoveInterest. Credo dismisses it:
280-->'''Credo''': Hurt ''me''? You still don't get it, do you?! (''goes OneWingedAngel'')
281* ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry5'': [[spoiler:Vergil's fight with Nero in the finale has him telling Nero to stand down. He's also generally not taking his son's attempts to make him stop fighting Dante and deal with the Qliphoth seriously instead... until Nero beat him enough into submission.]]
282* In ''Videogame/GodOfWar'', Kratos typically gives people in his way that he isn't out to kill exactly one chance to either walk away or face his wrath. They typically refuse out of either duty or pride, which almost always spells a bloody death for them.
283** In ''VideoGame/GodOfWarII'', Kratos comes upon Theseus, who blocks his path to the Sisters of Fate. When Kratos asks that he be allowed to pass, Theseus refuses and arrogantly challenges Kratos to a fight, expecting an easy win now that the Ghost of Sparta is no longer a god. To say that Kratos subverts his expectations is putting it mildly.
284--->'''Kratos:''' Let me pass, and I will let you live, old man.\
285'''Theseus:''' I do not think that is your choice to make.
286** In ''VideoGame/GodOfWarIII'', Hercules is the only one to be told to his face by Kratos that "this isn't between them". Hercules, however, disagrees with Kratos and tries to kill him anyway over a personal (if petty) grudge. Kratos responds by [[NoHoldsBarredBeatdown caving his]] [[FacialHorror face in.]]
287** In [[Videogame/GodOfWarPS4 the Norse game]], when a mysterious stranger comes to his house looking for trouble an OlderAndWiser Kratos firmly tells him to leave repeatedly (even taking a few punches) before deciding to make him.
288** Another example would be [[spoiler:Heimdall]] in ''[[Videogame/GodOfWarRagnarok Ragnarok]]'', where despite being explicitly prophesized into killing him Kratos repeatedly gives him multiple chances to stand down after overpowering him, including [[spoiler:dismembering him after he openly threatens Atreus]]. [[DontYouDarePityMe He takes Kratos's mercy as an insult]] and refuses to back down until one of them lies dead- and it's ''not'' Kratos.
289* [[SubvertedTrope Subverted]] in ''VideoGame/Halo2'':
290-->'''Sergeant Johnson:''' [while he is fighting the Covenant] I don't want to kill you, it's just that you're too ugly to let live!
291** Funnily enough, {{Creator/Bungie}}'s PretentiousLatinMotto, ''Non facete nobis calcitrare vestrum perinaeum'', is this. It translates to "[[BadassBoast Don't make us kick your ass.]]"
292* ''Franchise/MassEffect'':
293** In all 3 games, Paragon Shepard's approach to hostile situations is essentially "I'd ''like'' us to get along...[[GoodIsNotSoft but I have a fully loaded arsenal at my fingertips and I'm really good at using it.]]"
294** Saren invokes this several times during [[VideoGame/MassEffect the first game.]] Paragon Shepard replies with exactly the ''same'' thing.
295** Implied towards Shepard by [[EldritchAbomination Harbinger]] in ''VideoGame/MassEffect2''.
296-->'''Harbinger:''' If I must tear you apart Shepard, '''I will'''.
297** The Illusive Man says something to this effect in ''VideoGame/MassEffect3''.
298--->'''The Illusive Man:''' Don't interfere with my plans Shepard. I won't warn you again.
299*** Unlike the Paragon Shepard who convinces them there's a better way and a chance for peace, [[NobleDemon Renegade Shepard]] can end the Geth-Quarian War by basically informing the quarians "The geth are about to come back online and I'm done saving you from yourselves. You want to throw yourselves at them, be my guest." In general, Renegade Shepard will not even warn an adversary - s/he will just [[PayEvilUntoEvil destroy them]].
300*** Spelled out particularly well in the conclusion of the ''Citadel'' DLC, where one of the villains has been captured. Said villain banters with Shepard some, and Paragon Shepard warns them not to ever cross paths again. [[KnowWhenToFoldEm The villain takes the hint.]]
301---->'''Shepard''': And don't let us meet again.\
302'''Adversary''': What's this? Commander Shepard pleading for his/her life?\
303'''Shepard''': I am pleading for ''yours''.
304* Interactive romance novel ''VideoGame/{{Moonrise}}'' has a scene that fits this trope. If the player joins the Masquerade faction, [[spoiler: Chika confronts them and begs them to reconsider, or at least not go to the final battle. She can't bear the thought of the player being her enemy]].
305* In ''VideoGame/ProjectWingman'', the ''Eminent Domain'''s Captain Woodward tries to warn the remaining Federation ships off from continuing to fight and offers them a chance to egress instead. They refuse, and all are sunk.
306* ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil6'': At the very beginning of his campaign, Leon futilely attempts to talk the [[TragicMonster zombified President]] down, but ultimately can't stop [[StakingTheLovedOne the inevitable]].
307* If you ask the Orz what happened to the Androsynth in ''VideoGame/StarControlII'', they warn you that they will kill you if you insist on asking that, and thus ask you not to do so. [[PressXToDie Keep it up]] and [[HopelessBossFight they'll show that they aren't bluffing.]]
308* Used word-for-word by Artanis towards [[spoiler:Aldaris]] in ''VideoGame/{{Starcraft}}: Brood Wars'' during the penultimate Protoss mission.
309* ''VideoGame/TalesOfMajEyal'' has the Allure Wars, a conflict between the [[CombatPragmatist tricky and ruthless]] halfling [[TheEmpire Nargol Empire]], and the [[TheFettered honorable]] but [[KnightTemplar intrusively]] "[[GettingSmiliesPaintedOnYourSoul benevolent]]" human [[PoliceState Conclave]]. When the Nargol were pushed to the brink of losing, they warned the Conclave that "''a great tragedy will ensue if you continue to push further, and do not accept our previously-stated terms of peaceful resolution. Do not force us to do this.''" Of course, by this point, they'd spent so much time [[CryingWolf bluffing]] for tactical advantages that the Conclave [[PoorCommunicationKills was hardly inclined to believe them]]. [[spoiler: The first [[FantasticNuke mass-necromantic attack]] in history caught the Conclave completely off-guard, horrifying them into [[ScrewTheRulesTheyBrokeThemFirst abandoning all pretenses of chivalry]] and ensuring the war would turn into an [[CycleOfRevenge increasingly vicious stalemate]].]]
310* If you're going down the Genocide path in ''VideoGame/{{Undertale}}'', Sans the Skeleton will warn you that if you continue down the path you're currently on, you're going to have a bad time. He may be ThePrankster, but this time, [[MarathonBoss he's]] ''[[SNKBoss not]]'' [[GoddamnedBoss joking]].
311[[/folder]]
312
313[[folder:Webcomics]]
314* In ''Webcomic/BobAndGeorge'', [[http://www.bobandgeorge.com/archives/000405 "Hold it right there! Don't make me shoot!"]] -- last panel is a complaint about the regulations.
315* ''Webcomic/ElGoonishShive'':
316** Raven warns Abraham to [[http://egscomics.com/comic/2009-06-18 "surrender, or die"]].
317** Grace tells Greg that she could easily destroy him and will if he hurts Jeremy again. Given that she says this while [[http://egscomics.com/comic/2002-07-18 crying and stuttering]] it's not a very effective threat.
318** Grace [[http://egscomics.com/comic/2013-08-08 makes a more effective threat]] to "Not-Tengu" when she tells him "Please stay down. I'd rather you not die prior to understanding why what you did was wrong.
319* [[EmperorScientist Baron Klaus Wulfenbach]] of ''Webcomic/GirlGenius'' basically founded his version of the Empire of Europa on one main guiding principle: "Don't Make Me Come Over There". Because he ''will'' stomp you flat using great tactical advantage ([[CoolAirship from on high]]) if you provoke him into it by [[TooDumbToLive Doing Something Stupid]]. He [[BerserkButton really, really hates stupidity]] (like, trying to enslave or otherwise abuse your general population, fomenting treason and rebellion, not handing over [[SealedEvilinACan any found cans o' evil]] for proper disposal... that kind of thing) with a vengeance, so it's ''very much'' in your best interest ''not'' to push that button while he's around. And, he's proved it often enough, both in back-story and on-panel.
320* ''Webcomic/TheInexplicableAdventuresOfBob.'' Bob is one of the [[TrueCompanions only three people]] in the universe Galatea loves (she's just betrayed a possible fourth, Fructose Riboflavin, but with [[BigBad good reason).]] When Bob suddenly arrives while she's on the verge of conquering a planet, she says, "So... You ''don't'' approve? Oh Uncle, ''don't'' make me fight ''you."''
321* In ''Webcomic/JupiterMen'', Arrio, an ex-gang member trying to go straight, warns BarbaricBully Rick not to pick a fight with him. Rick doesn't heed that warning and throws a punch that misses. A few panels later, they're both in the principal's office. Arrio is unscathed while Rick is nursing a black eye.
322-->'''Arrio:''' ''[shoving Rick out of the way]'' Now ''move.''\
323'''Rick:''' ''[shoves Arrio into the locker]'' No, I don't think I will.\
324'''Arrio:''' ''[glaring]'' Don't do this man.\
325'''Rick:''' A little late for that! ''[misses his punch before Arrio grabs him and punches him three times]''
326* In ''Webcomic/TheSpecialists'' [[http://thespecialistscomic.com/page-28/ Hartmann doesn't want to hurt anyone.]]
327[[/folder]]
328
329[[folder:Western Animation]]
330* Subverted in ''WesternAnimation/{{Exosquad}}'', when Kaz finally catches up with his long-time [[TheRival rival]] Thrax and has him at gunpoint. Thrax rather calmly reminds Kaz that no one actually makes him do anything, so whether he does or does not pull that trigger is his decision alone. Kaz is so bewildered by this reply that he lets him simply walk away. This scene is particularly poignant because unbeknownst to Kaz, [[spoiler:Thrax has just willingly disobeyed a direct order from the planet's supreme commander to nuke a city so it wouldn't fall to the Terrans, putting him on a short one-way track to be CourtMartialed]].
331* ''WesternAnimation/TheFairlyOddParents'': The first time [[LanternJawOfJustice the Crimson Chin]] appears, his nemesis the Bronze Kneecap constantly points to his namesake and states "Don't make me use this!"
332* Gaz on ''WesternAnimation/InvaderZim'' seems to imply this when she has a hard time understanding the stupidity and lameness of Dib.
333-->'''Gaz:''' That was your fate of the world work? Jumping in a puddle? ...You do realize I'm going to have to destroy you now.
334* ''WesternAnimation/SamuraiJack'':
335** Jack's father gave this ultimatum to some bandits who ambushed him and his family. They refused to leave peacefully, forcing him to kill them to protect his wife and son. Jack gives the same ultimatum to the Daughters of Aku before their second battle. Jack kills all but one of the Daughters of Aku, some by lethal weaponry and others by a long fall.
336-->'''Your choices have clearly lead you here, as have mine. I will give you a new choice: Leave here now and live... or stay and face your destiny.'''
337** In "Jack and the Travelling Creatures", as Jack's fight against the Guardian continues to go downhill, the Guardian stops and suggests Jack leave before he "really gets hurt". Jack refuses and the Guardian resumes his NoHoldsBarredBeatdown.
338* In ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'', included in Homer's advice to Lisa:
339-->'''Lisa:''' What do you say to a boy to let him know you're not interested?\
340'''Marge Simpson:''' Well, honey, I...\
341'''Homer:''' Let me handle this, Marge. I've heard them all: "I like you as a friend," "I think we should see other people," "I no speak English"...\
342'''Lisa:''' I get the idea.\
343'''Homer:''' "I'm married to the sea," "I don't want to kill you but I will"...
344* ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsTheCloneWars'': In [[Recap/StarWarsTheCloneWarsS1E10LairOfGrievous "Lair of Grievous"]], Nahdar Vebb — in his growing [[{{Pride}} arrogance]] — says [[CallForward this exact line]] to General Grievous, [[UnderestimatingBadassery underestimating how dangerous Grievous can be, even to a Jedi]]. He pays for that mistake with his life, as Grievous [[KilledMidsentence uses the opportunity to shoot him in the gut]].
345* ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsResistance'': Commander Pyre says this to two children from Tehar that he's been ordered to capture, saying the will be spared if they come along quietly. [[spoiler:He's lying, as his real orders are to kill them either way; Tehar was invaded by the First Order and most of the population slaughtered. They're [[LeaveNoWitnesses hunting down survivors who made it off-planet to conceal their growing power from the New Republic]].]]
346* ''WesternAnimation/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles2012'': In the episode "The Tale of Tiger Claw," Alopex, Tiger Claw's sister, comes to town and manages to defeat him, but ultimately refrains from killing him because he's the only family she has left, warning him to walk away from his "twisted path" or he would receive no mercy next time. Immediately afterwards, Tiger Claw tries to shoot Alopex InTheBack... only for her to {{Flash Step}} out of the way and [[BackstabBackfire chop his]] [[AnArmAndALeg arm off]] as a warning.
347-->'''Alopex''': Never forget. I could have taken your life.
348[[/folder]]
349
350[[folder:Real Life]]
351* [[RankScalesWithAsskicking Marine Gen. James Mattis]], [[http://www.armedforcesjournal.com/2006/08/1936008 in a message sent to Iraqi tribal leaders in August 2003]].
352-->"''I come in peace. I didn't bring artillery. But I'm pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: [[SophisticatedAsHell If you fuck with me, I'll kill you all.]]''"
353* Basically the message from Commodore Matthew Perry to the Japanese government in 1854.
354* In the animal world, venom is a biologically expensive substance, taking a long time and a significant amount of energy to produce. As such, many venomous animals will try ''really'' hard [[ToWinWithoutFighting to make you back off before they dose you with it.]] Rattlesnakes make their signature noise, cobras flare out their hoods and hiss, tarantulas (and some other spiders) will rear up and expose their fangs, and [[ScaryScorpions scorpions]] spread their claws and arch their [[BewareMyStingerTail tails]] over their bodies. Even some species of wasps will ram you as a final warning before they start stinging.
355* As tensions grew between UsefulNotes/TimurTheLame and Bayezid I of the UsefulNotes/OttomanEmpire, the Timurid Emperor warned the Turkish Sultan to not provoke him, stating that they were both Muslims and respective defenders of Islam, but Timur could have easily crushed him if he wanted to. Bayezid didn't care (he was [[PapaWolf pissed his son was murdered by Timur's troops]]) and in their final letter, he called Timur a coward and implicitly threatened to have his harem raped before his eyes. Timur responded by marching his troops and easily sacking the Ottoman seat of power and taking the Sultan in chains to his own home.
356* Any time a soldier or cop has a gun trained on you, demanding that you surrender, they are effectively telling you this. [[JustForFun/TelevisionIsTryingToKillUs Contrary to what most fiction seems to think]], there is ''no'' "[[OnlyAFleshWound safe]]" place to shoot someone and know that they will survive the wound, so they are warning you there is a good chance that you will not survive if you make them pull the trigger.
357[[/folder]]

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