IdiomThe Absurd
English
Englishcross the Rubicon
Meaning: To take an irreversible step.
Example: “Once she handed in her resignation, she had crossed the Rubicon.”
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 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.
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