Idiom
burn bridges
Meanings
To destroy a relationship or connection so that reconciliation is unlikely.
To remove the possibility of returning to a previous plan, position, or opportunity by acting in a way that makes going back impossible.
Definition
To burn bridges means to ruin a relationship or remove the possibility of going back to a previous situation.
To burn bridges is to do something that permanently damages a relationship or closes off an option for the future. It often suggests making a decision in a way that leaves no easy way to return. People use it when talking about quitting jobs, ending friendships, or making strong public statements.
Examples
- I quit politely because I didn’t want to burn bridges.
- Don’t burn bridges with your old team—you may need them later.
- She apologized quickly so she wouldn’t burn bridges with the client.
- If you criticize your boss online, you might burn bridges.
- He left the company on good terms and didn’t burn bridges.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "burn the bridge" for this idiom, but the usual form is plural: "burn bridges."
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 updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky 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 updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.