C2idiomformaldecisionsIELTS-friendly
cross the Rubicon
USUK
to take a step or decision that cannot be reversed
From Julius Caesar, who crossed the Rubicon river with his army. Formal; used in journalism and history. Capital R.
In context
By signing the merger agreement, both companies had crossed the Rubicon.
Announcing the plan in public meant the minister had crossed the Rubicon.
More idioms about decisions
- a Catch-22a situation you can't escape because each solution depends on the other
- a change of hearta change in your opinion or plan, usually towards a kinder or different view
- a double-edged swordsomething that has both good and bad effects
- a fait accomplisomething already decided or done that others must now accept
- a foregone conclusiona result that is certain before it happens