To cross the Rubicon
Meaning
To make an irreversible decision or take a decisive step that commits one to a specific, often risky, course of action.
Origin
In 49 BC, Julius Caesar, a brilliant Roman general, found himself at the banks of the Rubicon River, a small stream that marked the boundary between Cisalpine Gaul (his province) and Italy proper. Roman law strictly forbade any general from bringing an army across this river into Italy, as it would be an act of war against the Republic. Facing a direct order from the Senate to disband his legions, Caesar stood at a crossroads. To cross meant civil war; to retreat meant political ruin and likely execution. With his famous utterance, “Alea iacta est!” (The die is cast!), he led his Thirteenth Legion across the shallow waters, sealing his fate and plunging Rome into a devastating civil war that would ultimately see him rise to absolute power. His decision became the ultimate metaphor for an irreversible commitment.
Examples
- Once we sign this contract, we'll have truly crossed the Rubicon, with no turning back on the new business venture.
- After he resigned from his stable job to start his own company, John knew he had crossed the Rubicon and was fully committed to his entrepreneurial dream.