burn (one's) bridges in front of (one)

burn (one's) bridges in front of (one)

To do something that is likely to cause problems later. That kid isn't bullying you, so if you tattle on him to the teacher, you're definitely burning your bridge in front of you. Dude, you're burning your bridges in front of you by talking back to Mom and Dad like that when you need them to lend you the car on Friday night. I know, you told me I'd be burning my bridges in front of me if I cheated on my test, but I didn't listen.

See also: bridge, burn, front, of

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

burn one's bridges in front of (one)

Fig. to create future problems for oneself. (A play on burn one's bridges (behind one).) I made a mistake again. I always seem to burn my bridges in front of me. I accidentally insulted a math teacher whom I will have to take a course from next semester. I am burning my bridges in front of me.

See also: bridge, burn, front, of

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.