burn bridges

idiom/bɜːrn ˈbrɪdʒɪz/ 🔊 listen

Burn bridges (or burn your bridges) means to destroy a relationship or opportunity so badly that you can never go back. It pictures burning the bridge behind you — once it's gone, there's no return. It's often a warning against acting rashly.

📖 Meanings

1to damage a relationship permanently, leaving no way back
"Don't burn bridges with your old boss — you might need a reference." — Don't ruin your relationship with your old boss — you might need a reference.
2to cut off all chance of returning to a situation
"She quit dramatically and burned every bridge behind her." — She quit dramatically and destroyed every connection behind her.

🔄 Related phrases

cut ties →point of no return →close the door →

💬 Common patterns

burn your bridgesburn bridges with someonedon't burn bridges
❓ How do you advise someone not to ruin their relationship with a former employer for good?