burn (one's) boats

(redirected from burn his boats)

burn (one's) boats

To do something that cannot be easily undone or reversed in the future. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. I think you burned your boats when you announced you were quitting and proceeded to insult your boss in front of the whole staff. She's young, so I don't think she realizes that she'll be burning her boats if she goes to work for their competitor.
See also: boat, burn

burn your boats (or bridges)

commit yourself irrevocably.
In a military campaign, burning your boats or bridges would make escape or retreat impossible.
See also: boat, burn
References in periodicals archive ?
Commodore Joshua Barney's gunboat flotilla up the Patuxent, forcing the American officer to burn his boats and retreat overland towards Washington.
The battle of Bladensburg and the burning of Washington: in late summer 1814, an overconfident force of U.S. regulars, militia and marines thought they would easily defeat the outnumbered British assault force on the outskirts of Washington; their confidence proved unfounded
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