burn one's bridges

phrase

variants or less commonly burn one's boats

: to cut off all means of retreat

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of burn one's bridges was in 1860

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

burn off

burn one's bridges

burn one's ears

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Burn one's bridges.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burn%20one%27s%20bridges. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

burn one's bridges

phrase

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

immure