“Burning bridges” means ending a relationship in a way that cannot be repaired. It is advised not to behave unprofessionally as it may affect future opportunities. This can happen in work or personal relationships. However, in some cases, it may be the best course of action, such as with unethical employers or abusive relationships.
When you’re “burning ties,” you generally end a relationship in a way that’s unlikely to be repairable in the future. This idiomatic expression is often handed out as advice not to treat others rudely or behave unprofessionally because you may meet those same people at some future time. Burning bridges are likely to result in an unfavorable endorsement from these individuals, particularly in a work situation. The origins of this saying can be traced to a common story of two different cities connected by a bridge over a river. When a disagreement causes a rift, a group of citizens from one town sets fire to the bridge and thus makes reconciliation with the other town much more difficult.
The meaning of idioms such as “burning bridges” are often associated with accepted standards of behavior and interpersonal skills. This type of idiom is often uttered when you leave a job under negative circumstances and make the situation even worse by making unpleasant parting comments to your boss. When you start applying for new jobs, your chances of getting a positive recommendation from that manager are typically not high. This supervisor himself can have considerable influence and this type of situation can often make the process of finding a new job 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 breakup with a significant other is a frequent situation that can also bring this idiom to mind. While cutting the chances of repairing the relationship can often feel rewarding 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 regardless of the situation, this English saying can sometimes also describe the best course of action in some circumstances. You may encounter a job position with such unfavorable conditions that “burning the bridge” makes you feel better if you are not associated with other people in that job. This case may be particularly relevant when applied to employers with a known history of unethical and dishonest behavior such as cheating their customers or not paying their employees for work satisfactorily performed. The same principle can often apply to personal relationships where the significant other engages in abusive or criminal behavior.
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