Burn bridges
Burn bridges
To permanently damage relationships or opportunities.
To permanently damage relationships or opportunities.The idiom 'burn bridges' is used metaphorically to describe the act of damaging or destroying one's relationship with others or with organizations in such a severe manner that there is no chance of return or repair. It often implies that the action taken is deliberate or results from behavior that is considered unforgivable or inconsiderate. This can include anything from ending personal relationships with friends or family in a harmful way, to quitting a job in a manner that leaves no possibility of ever being rehired by the employer or within the same industry. The imagery of 'burning a bridge' suggests that not only is the connection severed, but it is also made impossible to rebuild or cross again in the future.
The idiom 'burn bridges' is used metaphorically to describe the act of damaging or destroying one's relationship with others or with organizations in such a severe manner that there is no chance of return or repair. It often implies that the action taken is deliberate or results from behavior that is considered unforgivable or inconsiderate. This can include anything from ending personal relationships with friends or family in a harmful way, to quitting a job in a manner that leaves no possibility of ever being rehired by the employer or within the same industry. The imagery of 'burning a bridge' suggests that not only is the connection severed, but it is also made impossible to rebuild or cross again in the future.
Use cases
When Maria shared her company's secrets with a competitor, she not only lost her job but also burned bridges with everyone in her professional network.
Alex regretted sending that angry email to his boss; he realized too late that he had burned bridges with a mentor who could have helped him in his career.
By spreading rumors about her friend, Lisa burned bridges that took years to build, and now she finds herself isolated and regretted.
Refusing to apologize for his mistake, Tom burned bridges with his coworkers, making his work environment uncomfortably hostile.
Sara's decision to leave the band on bad terms meant she burned bridges with members she'd known since childhood, making any future reunion unlikely.
After publicly criticizing the company's policies, Kevin found it difficult to get a reference for his next job, realizing he had burned bridges with his former employer.
Leah burned bridges with her relatives by missing important family events without explanation, leaving her estranged and disconnected.
Burning bridges with his classmates by cheating during the final exam, Nathan found himself facing college life without the support of his peers.
Choosing to burn bridges rather than face her problems, Emily moved away, leaving unresolved conflicts and lost friendships behind.
When Derek chose to sue his business partner instead of seeking a compromise, he burned bridges in an industry where reputation is everything.
