What does “Crossing the Rubicon” mean?
"Crossing the Rubicon" means to take a decisive and irrevocable step, often with significant consequences.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After years of contemplating, he finally crossed the Rubicon and quit his job to pursue his passion.
Example
Once you cross the Rubicon and sign the contract, there's no turning back.
Example
The company crossed the Rubicon by investing all their resources into a risky new venture
Is “Crossing the Rubicon” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Crossing the Rubicon” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Crossing the Rubicon” effectively in context?
You can use "Crossing the Rubicon" to describe a situation where someone takes a decisive and irrevocable step, often with significant consequences. It emphasizes the idea of crossing a point of no return. For example, if a friend is considering quitting their job to start their own business, you might say, 'Once you cross the Rubicon and quit, there's no turning back.'
- 1Career Change
After years of contemplating, she finally crossed the Rubicon and left her stable job to pursue her dream of becoming an artist.
- 2Commitment
Once they crossed the Rubicon and got married, they knew they were fully committed to each other for life.
- 3Business Decision
The company crossed the Rubicon by investing all their resources into a risky new venture, hoping for a breakthrough.
Similar phrases to “Crossing the Rubicon”:
Burn bridges
To sever ties or relationships, often in a way that cannot be undone
Example
By confronting his boss, he burned bridges and made it impossible to return to his previous job.
Burn the ships
To eliminate any possibility of retreat or going back
Example
They burned the ships and sold their house to fund their around-the-world trip.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Crossing the Rubicon” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Crossing the Rubicon" can be traced back to ancient Rome. In 49 BC, Julius Caesar famously crossed the Rubicon River with his army, defying the Roman Senate's order not to bring his troops into Italy. This act marked a point of no return and led to a civil war, ultimately resulting in Caesar's rise to power.
Is “Crossing the Rubicon” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Crossing the Rubicon" is a well-known idiom that is occasionally used in everyday conversation. While it may not be as common as some other idioms, it is still understood by many English speakers.
What tone does “Crossing the Rubicon” have?
"Crossing the Rubicon" conveys a tone of decisiveness and finality. It is often used to describe a bold and irreversible action or decision.
Can “Crossing the Rubicon” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Crossing the Rubicon" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of taking a decisive and irrevocable step. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He finally crossed the Rubicon and made the difficult decision.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "cross the Rubicon"!' to imply readiness for a decisive action.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- take the plunge
- go for broke
- make a fateful decision
- commit without reservation
- put everything on the line
Antonyms
- doubt
- retreat
- reconsider
- backpedal
- hesitate
