English Explanatory Dictionary

burn one's bridges

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To destroy one's path, connections, reputation, opportunities, etc., particularly intentionally.

Pronunciation

en-au-burn one's bridges.ogg

Word forms

burn one's bridges burns one's bridges burning one's bridges burned one's bridges burnt one's bridges

Etymology

Originally in military sense of intentionally cutting off one's own retreat (burning a bridge one has crossed) to commit oneself to a course of action, later used primarily to mean “alienate former friends”.

Synonyms

cross the Rubicon

Related words

build bridges burn one's boats point of no return

Derived words

burn that bridge when one comes to it
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