ENENENEN
FR
ES
RU
IT
TR
UKburn one's bridges / boats
/bˈɜːn wˈɒnz bɹˈɪdʒɪz/
/bˈɜːn wˈʌnz bɹˈɪdʒᵻz/to burn one's bridges / boats
[PHRASE]1
to do something or act in a way that makes it impossible to return to previous situation or state
![to [burn] {one's} (bridges|boats) definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/40655/original/ "to [burn] {one's} (bridges|boats) definition and meaning")
What is the origin of the idiom "burn one's bridges" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "burn one's bridges" can be traced back to military strategies. In ancient times, armies would sometimes burn the bridges they crossed to prevent retreat, committing themselves fully to the battle. This act eliminated the option of turning back and forced them to move forward with determination. This idiom is used to describe a deliberate choice or action that makes it impossible to go back. It shows a commitment to moving forward without the possibility of returning to a previous state or relationship.
Examples
1. Sally decided to quit her job and publicly criticize her former employer, effectively burning her bridges with the company.
2. I have burned my bridges.
3. So there was, they were now, they were in a difficult spot because they had recognized the opposition, but Gaddafi was now once again winning the war and he was regaining control of the cities, and he was indeed about to regain control of Benghazi, and so what the French did was that they pushed very hard to get a resolution passed that would allow them to depose Gaddafi because they realized that they had burned their bridges with him, and essentially, that had become their agenda.
4. While Momsen may have burned her bridges during a difficult adolescence, now that she's matured into an actual rock star, it's possible that there may be new opportunities in Hollywood for Momsen if she ever decides to go back to acting.
more