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Linguistics

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What Does It Mean If You Are "Burning Bridges"?

By Angela Farrer
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 31,167
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When you are "burning bridges," you are generally ending a relationship in such as way that it is unlikely to be reparable in the future. This idiomatic expression is frequently doled out as advice against treating others discourteously or behaving in an unprofessional manner because you can encounter those same people at some future point in time. "Burning bridges" is likely to result in an unfavorable endorsement from these individuals, particularly in a job situation. The origins of this saying can be traced to a common story of two different towns linked by a bridge over a river. When a disagreement causes a rift, one group of citizens from one town sets fire to the bridge and therefore makes reconciliation with the other town much more challenging.

The meaning of idioms such as "burning bridges" is often associated with accepted standards of behavior and interpersonal skills. This type of saying is often spoken when you leave a job position under negative circumstances and worsen the situation further by making disagreeable parting remarks to your superior. When you begin applying for new jobs, the chances of receiving a positive recommendation from that superior are generally not high. This same superior may have considerable influence, and this type of situation can often make the process of finding new employment more difficult than if professional behavior had been observed in the first place.

It is also possible to commit the figurative act of "burning bridges" in personal relationships. A bad break-up with a significant other is a frequent situation that can also bring this idiom to mind. While cutting off the chances of repairing the relationship may often feel gratifying in the short term, it can also sometimes take an emotional toll on both parties in the long run. Frequent acts of "burning bridges" in relationships can sometimes lead to increased feelings of loneliness and isolation as well.

While "burning bridges" is often a behavior many people advise against no matter what the situation, this English saying can sometimes also describe the best course of action under some circumstances. You may encounter a job position with such unfavorable conditions that "burning the bridge" renders you better off if you are not associated with the other individuals in that workplace. This case can be especially relevant when applied to employers with known records of unethical and dishonest behavior such as cheating their customers or failing to pay their employees for satisfactory work performed. The same principle can often apply to personal relationships in which one's significant other engages in abusive or criminal behavior.

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Discussion Comments
By anon936162 — On Feb 28, 2014

I agree that is the best thing to do, not to burn bridges but given the circumstance of the situation, sometimes it warrants it with the professional contact because they were in the wrong. I agree with what you are saying 80 percent of the time, but 20 percent of the time, one is going to find big jerks who are not worth your time anyhow.

By serenesurface — On Sep 23, 2013

@fify-- There is no law that says you have to remain friendly with an ex. Sometimes a break-up is so bad that bridges get burnt on their own. If the relationship ended on a bad note and if you don't have any reason to see the person again, I think it's okay to burn the bridges. I've done that a few times myself.

I can understand why exes who have to work together or who have a child together would not want to burn bridges. But if you have nothing tying you two together, you can definitely burn the bridges if that's what you want.

By fify — On Sep 22, 2013

Is it okay to burn bridges after breaking up with someone? I just broke up with someone and I don't think I want to date him again. I don't want to be friends either. I feel like burning all bridges.

By SarahGen — On Sep 22, 2013

I think that burning bridges professionally is not a good idea, especially if you plan on moving up and becoming successful. One has to be diplomatic and courteous in a professional environment, because like the article said, you never know when you might work with the same people in the future.

I always try to remain calm, objective and respectful with my bosses and coworkers. It doesn't matter if I like them or agree with them or not. I don't take anything personally at work, I want to be on good terms with everyone. I think people who act like this reach their professional goals faster.

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