Burn your bridges

usgb
phrase

To do something that makes it impossible to return to the previous situation.

By quitting his job and moving abroad, he has burnt his bridges and cannot return to his old life.
Visual representation of "burn your bridges" - To do something that makes it impossible to return to the previous situation.

Often appears as...

  • you've burned your bridges
  • don't burn your bridges

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "burn your bridges"
LampPro Tip 1/3

No Turning Back

Used when you make a life changing decision without a way to reverse it.

Illustration for No Turning Back
After selling all her possessions to travel the world, she had burned her bridges.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Irreversible Actions

Highlights actions that prevent returning to a prior state, often after a bold move.

Illustration for Irreversible Actions
He refused the final offer and burned his bridges with the company.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Final Decisions

Stresses that the phrase refers to decisions from which there is no recourse.

Illustration for Final Decisions
Joining a rival sports team, she knew she had burned her bridges with her old teammates.
Visual representation of the word "Burn your bridges"

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