Idiom
burn bridges
Meanings
To destroy a relationship or opportunity so you cannot return to it or use it later.
Definition
To burn bridges means to ruin a relationship or opportunity so that you cannot go back to it.
To burn bridges is to do something that permanently damages a relationship or closes off a future option. It often happens through harsh words, public criticism, or quitting in a dramatic way. After you burn bridges, it is difficult or impossible to return and cooperate later.
Examples
- I didn’t want to burn bridges with my old team, so I gave two weeks’ notice.
- If you insult your boss on the way out, you’ll burn bridges you might need later.
- She apologized because she realized she had burned bridges with her best friend.
- Try not to burn bridges when you leave a company, even if you’re unhappy.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something important that you were responsibl…
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a friendly, informal chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of your actions or a difficult situation.