# burn one's bridges

> English word · Verb

## Definitions
1. To destroy one's path, connections, reputation, opportunities, etc., particularly intentionally.

## Etymology
Originally in military sense of intentionally cutting off one's own retreat (burning a bridge one has crossed) to commit oneself to a course of action, later used primarily to mean “alienate former friends”.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/burn-one-s-bridges