burn bridges

== English == === 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”. === Pronunciation === === Verb === burn one's bridges (third-person singular simple present burns one's bridges, present participle burning one's bridges, simple past and past participle burned one's bridges or burnt one's bridges) (idiomatic) To destroy one's path, connections, reputation, opportunities, etc., particularly intentionally. Synonym: cross the Rubicon ==== Derived terms ==== burn that bridge when one comes to it ==== Related terms ==== build bridges ==== Translations ==== === See also === burn one's boats point of no return