burn one's bridges
phrase
variants
or less commonly burn one's boats
: to cut off all means of retreat
Cite this Entry
“Burn one's bridges.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burn%20one%27s%20bridges. Accessed 11 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share