burn one's bridges
Destroy return options
To burn one's bridges is to eliminate any possibility of retreat or reversal.
The image is of an army destroying the bridges behind it, making return impossible.
Someone who burns their bridges cuts off relationships or options in a way that can't be undone: She burned her bridges when she told off her boss on the way out.
Often used as advice against hasty action: Don't burn your bridges—you might need that connection someday.
- irrevocableCannot be undone
- point of no returnThreshold beyond which reversal impossible
- estrangementEmotional separation between people
- clean breakComplete, uncomplicated severance
- decisiveQuick to conclude
regret · severance · permanent · crossing · transformative · final · liberation · determination · ashes · alienation · closure · courage · scorched-earth · destruction · unalterable · cutting ties · fallout · career suicide
burn one's bridgeskeep one's options open
Maintain multiple possibilities
leave the door open · hedge one's bets · play it safe · cover one's bases · sit on the fence
burn one's bridgesbuild bridges
Establish connections between parties
mend fences · bury the hatchet · patch things up · keep in touch · make amends
burn one's bridgesdip one's toe in
Try cautiously before committing
test the waters · proceed with caution · hold back · wait and see · bide one's time
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