to burn your bridges - idiom meaning?

Question

What is the meaning of "to burn your bridges" idiom?

Answer 1

 

Idiom Conjugations:

 

Answer 2

Gerund Form of the Idiom:

Burning your bridges is not recommended.
 

Answer 3

Idiom Usage:

In the imperative:

"Don't burn your bridges"

Alternate form:

"Don't burn your bridges behind you!"

 

Answer 4

Idiom Scenario 2:

After James quit his job, he went to his local drinking establishment.  James drank a great many drinks and got very drunk.  James got into a fight and he was very abusive to the staff at the bar.  As a result of his behavior, James was banned from every returning to his favorite bar.
 
Did James burn his bridges at his favorite bar?
 
What word gives you a clue to the meaning of  "burn your bridges"?

Answer 5

Idiom Scenario 1:

Tom and Jerry are talking about their mutual friend James.  James recently lost his job ...
Tom:    "I heard that James lost his job."
Jerry:  "Ya, but he didn't exactly lose his job."
Tom:    "What do you mean?"
Jerry:  "James had a big fight with his boss.  He called his boss many bad names.  James told his boss that his job was useless and that he would never work for such an idiot again."
Tom:    "So, James actually quit his job?"
Jerry:  "Sure.  Not only did he quit his job, he burned his bridges."
Tom:    "Well then, he can never go back to work there."
Jerry:  "Yes, poor James."

Answer 6

Idiom Definition:

"to burn your bridges"

to do or say something (usually bad) that would make it impossible to ever return to that situation or circumstance.
 

Synonyms:
foolhrady, hasty, heedless, hotheaded, ill-considered, impetuous, rash, reckless, shortsighted, thoughtless
 
 
This man is literally burning his bridge. - - - - ->