Meaning
"Burn Bridges"という表現は、日本語で「橋を燃やす」という直訳になりますが、実際の意味はもう少し比喩的です。この表現は、関係を完全に断ち切る、または戻れないようにする行動を指します。
例えば、職場を去る際に悪い印象を残したり、友人との関係を修復不可能にするような行動を取った場合に「Burn Bridges」と言えます。これは、将来的にその関係を必要とすることがあっても戻れなくなるリスクを伴います。
この表現は特にビジネスや人間関係において、慎重さが求められる場面で使われます。無用なトラブルを避け、将来の可能性を閉ざさないためにも、橋を燃やさないように心がけることが大切です。
「Burn Bridges」は、元に戻れない状況を自ら作ってしまうことへの警告としても理解されます。
Example
I burned that bridge when I quit my job.
What's so wrong about burning bridges? I think you should burn them, when needed.
I had a fight with my best friend, I guess I burned that bridge now.
Quiz
What is an Idiom
An idiom is a phrase or expression that usually presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase. Idioms are not just used in conversations – they're also very common in literature, movies, and music. We utilize them to convey a message in a concise and effective manner, and often have deep cultural or historical significance. They help to create a vivid and memorable image in the minds of the audience.
Idioms are difficult because they do not mean what they literally state. Communication challenges emerge when you translate an idiom in your language; it will not make sense or if it does make sense you may miss the intended meaning.
How to Study Idioms
- Read them. Read books, newspapers, magazine articles, online articles for exposure in written material.
- Watch them. Watch TV shows and movies in English! There are so many streaming services available for you to choose from. Listen attentively and try to understand the context in which they are used.
- Use them. Talk to native speakers and try to incorporate common idioms into your conversations. Try using them during conversations with friends, family, coworkers, or through text.
- Practice. Practice. Practice. Remember that you can't learn all of them! So start with a few that you understand and build your library of idioms from there!
