To burn your bridges or boats means to take an action that will prevent you from returning to a previous situation, even if you want to.

For example:

I’m really tempted to accept the job offer in Ohio, but I don’t want to burn my bridges with my current company.

Nick has already burned his bridges with his previous employer by publicly criticizing their policy. He should look before he leaps.

I would need to be humble with John. I don’t want to burn my bridges with him. He may be a challenging person to work with, but I still appreciate his efforts.

I think you just burned your bridges by insulting your team leader in front of the entire team. He was speechless.

Today, I told my boss what I think of her. I guess I burned my bridges, but I don’t care anymore.

Whenever possible, avoid burning bridges with anybody, because you never know when you may need them in the future.

Tradução:

AI generated.

“Burn your bridges or boats” (queimar pontes ou barcos) é uma metáfora que significa fazer algo que impede de voltar atrás ou restaurar uma relação ou situação anterior, geralmente de forma irreversível.