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Region: General | Usage example: Don’t burn bridges when leaving the company.

Burn bridges

Meaning

Destroy relationships beyond repair.

Usage

Warns about ending things harshly.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Military tactic of burning bridges to prevent pursuit.

19th-century usage in warfare contexts.

Related Idioms

Don't burn your bridges

Do not sever relationships you might need later.

Burn the midnight oil

Work late into the night.

Build bridges

Create connections across differences.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.