Burning Bridges

Expression: "burning bridges"

Meaning: This expression comes from legendary military battles in which commanders have ordered their troops to burn the bridges they just crossed in order to prevent their own escape. The troops then have the greatest motivation to win the battle, because failure could only result in their death or capture. Over time, this phrase has evolved to mean eliminating one's option of going back to a previous state, such as quitting a job or ending a relationship in such a bad way that there is no chance of returning. One then has greater motivation to succeed at an alternative, because the consequences of failure are too severe.

Example: "He burned his bridges by quitting his job like that. He will never work there again."