cross the Rubicon
Meaning: To take an irreversible step.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “Once she handed in her resignation, she had crossed the Rubicon.”
Category: The Absurd
Origin: In January 49 BC Julius Caesar led his army across the Rubicon, a small river marking the border of Italy, which Roman law forbade a general to cross in arms. It started a civil war; Suetonius reports he said "the die is cast." The metaphor is used in English from the early 17th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: passer le Rubicon — literally: to pass the Rubicon
More idioms — The Absurd
- burst someone's bubble — To destroy someone's illusion or happy belief.
- none of your beeswax — A playful way of saying "none of your business."
- thick as a brick — Very stupid.
- the die is cast — A decision has been made and cannot be undone.
- sell one's soul to the devil — To give up one's principles in exchange for money, power or success.
- a Tower of Babel — A noisy scene where many people speak different languages, or a confusion of voices.
More English idioms
- like a bear with a sore head — In a very bad, irritable mood.
- dead on one's feet — To be utterly exhausted.
- lay it on with a trowel — To flatter or exaggerate very heavily and without subtlety.
- fall flat on one's face — To fail completely and embarrassingly.
- prick up one's ears — To suddenly start listening closely.
- rise from the ashes — To be reborn or rebuilt after destruction or failure.