Once you sign that contract, you cross the Rubicon.
cross the Rubicon
idiomTo make an irreversible decision or to take an action with consequences.
Origin
disputed originRefers to Julius Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon to wage civil war with Rome, on January 10, 49 BCE, in violation of law. Suetonius' use of the phrase the die is cast in describing this act popularized the use of that phrase, which was first attributed to the Greek dramatist Menander.
By resigning from his secure position to start a risky new business, he knew he had crossed the Rubicon.
The general understood that by ordering his troops across the river, he had crossed the Rubicon and there was no turning back from the coming war.
- 01
come home by weeping cross
To return in disappointment, or in a spirit of contrition.
- 02
cross my heart
A declaration that the speaker is telling the truth.
- 03
cross my heart and hope to die
Added to a promise or a statement to show how serious one was about being honest in what one said
- 04
cross of gold
A public policy which puts the interests of the rich ahead of those of the poor.
- 05
cross off
To strike out; to cross out; to draw a line through.
- 06
cross out
To strike out (something); to draw a line through (something).
- 07
cross paths
To be, by chance, in the same physical place at the same time, as a result of two completely separate journeys; to encounter or meet each other.
- 08
cross someone's palm
To pay for goods or a service.
Last updated April 17, 2026