Yahoo Web Search

Search results

  1. People also ask

  2. Oct 19, 2023 · Deciphering “Burning Bridges” Literal Meaning. In its most literal interpretation, this phrase alludes to the act of physically setting a bridge on fire. Figurative Meaning. When someone “burns bridges,” they are taking actions that they cannot undo, often ruining relationships, opportunities, or paths that they might later regret severing.

    • A Bridge Too Far. Meaning: a goal or plan that is very ambitious. It is usually so ambitious that it is very difficult to accomplish. Use In A Sentence: The plan to learn Russia in 3 months proved to be a bridge too far for Mark.
    • To Bridge Over Something. Meaning: used to describe something other than a bridge that serves the same function. Use In A Sentence: Let’s cross the river over here.
    • To Build Bridges. Meaning: to improve relationships between an individual or a group of people. To promote friendships. Use In A Sentence: Despite a rocky start, Andrew is trying hard to build a bridge with his brother-in-law Luke.
    • To Burn (One’s) Bridges. Meaning: to make a decision that you can’t undo in the future. It can also mean to remove the possibility of returning to something.
  3. 1. Lit. to cutoff the way back to where you came from, making it impossible to retreat. The army, which had burned its bridges behind it, couldn't go back. By blowing up the road, the spies had burned their bridges behind them. 2. Fig. to act unpleasantly in a situation that you are leaving, ensuring that you'll never be welcome to return.

    • Meaning
    • Example Sentences
    • Origin
    remove someone’s all options of retreat, act decisively
    a nasty act of permanently ending a relationship with someone
    to act in a way that destroys any chance of returning to the way things were
    to end a relationship in such a way that you could never go back and re-start the relationship again
    She has already burned his bridgeswith his previous employer by publicly criticizing their marketing policy.
    I would need to be humble with her. I don’t want to burn my bridgeswith her.
    I think you just burned your bridgesby insulting your team leader in front of the team.
    Today, I told my boss what I think of him. I guess I burned my bridges.

    The idiom was originated in the late 1800s and is derived from the concept of burning down a bridge after crossing it throughout a military operation, leaving no option but to keep marching. In the olden times, during the war, soldiers would cross a waterbody and then burn the bridge or boats they had used to prevent retreat and halt the following ...

  4. The idiom "burn bridges" is commonly used to describe the act of cutting off connections or destroying relationships with someone or something. It can be used in a literal sense, such as setting fire to a physical bridge, or in a figurative sense, as a metaphor for ending a relationship.

  5. Dont burn your bridges” is an idiom advising against permanently damaging relationships or cutting off all communication with others, especially in a manner that destroys future opportunities.

  6. Using it too casually. Misusing the context. Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “burn ones bridges” The idiom “burn ones bridges” is a common expression used to describe a situation where someone has taken an action that makes it impossible to go back to a previous state or relationship.

  1. People also search for