burn one's bridges
To destroy one's path, connections, reputation, opportunities, etc., particularly intentionally.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't burn your bridges before you find a new job.”
“He insulted his former boss on social media, effectively burning his bridges with the entire company.”
“By publicly denouncing the organization that nurtured his early career, the ambitious writer burned his bridges and ensured he would never be welcomed back.”
The phrase originates from a military tactic in which a retreating or advancing force intentionally destroyed the bridge it had just crossed. By setting the timber alight, the commander ensured that his own troops could not retreat, thereby committing the men to a singular course of action through the elimination of any other geographical alternative. The physical act of arson served as a mechanism for internal discipline; one cannot return to where one was if the path no longer exists. While the literal bridge-burning was a matter of logistics and steel, the idiom has since transitioned into the social sphere to describe the terminal alienation of one's former associates.
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026