Idiom idiom
burn bridges
Meaning
Destroy relationships
Examples
“You should never burn bridges when you leave a job.”
“Even though he was angry with his boss, he tried not to burn bridges because he might need a reference later.”
“The young professional realized that by acting unprofessionally during the dispute, she had burned bridges with the very people who could have helped her career grow.”
Origin
disputed origin
disputed origin
From the military practice of burning bridges behind an advancing army to make retreat impossible — echoing ancient generals who burned their boats after landing.
Last updated June 7, 2026