cross the Rubicon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cross the Rubicon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate making a significant decision or taking an irreversible step, often with consequences. Example: "After months of deliberation, she finally decided to quit her job and start her own business, knowing she had crossed the Rubicon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Washington has begun to cross the Rubicon.

The New York Times

To do otherwise is to cross the Rubicon.

The Guardian

"We could cross that chasm, we could cross the Rubicon this time".

The New York Times

"It's not about some exotic magic threshold where you cross the Rubicon," she says.

The New York Times

So both sides have strong reasons to take risks for peace.Can they cross the Rubicon together?

The Economist

"When you cross the Rubicon and look back, you see the protein-centric view as being quite primitive," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"Caesar crossed the Rubicon.

The New Yorker

"He crossed the Rubicon.

The New York Times

"Somebody crossed the Rubicon," he said.

The New York Times

It would be crossing the Rubicon.

Independent

Now it has crossed the Rubicon.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cross the Rubicon" to add historical and metaphorical weight to your writing when describing a decision with significant and irreversible consequences. Remember that the allusion connects to Caesar's defiance of the Roman Senate.

Common error

Avoid using "cross the Rubicon" for trivial decisions or actions. The phrase implies a monumental turning point with far-reaching implications, so ensure the context warrants such a strong metaphor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cross the Rubicon" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes the action of making an irreversible decision or taking a step with significant consequences. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in diverse contexts, from politics to personal choices, reinforcing its figurative function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "cross the Rubicon" effectively conveys the concept of making an irreversible decision, drawing upon the historical weight of Julius Caesar's defiance. Ludwig confirms that it's a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its use adds a layer of significance to the action being described. While "cross the Rubicon" is a powerful idiom, it's essential to reserve it for decisions of genuine consequence, aligning with its historical and metaphorical depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pass the point of no return

Emphasizes the irreversibility of the action, highlighting the inability to go back to the previous state.

burn one's bridges

Focuses on the severing of relationships or opportunities as a consequence of the action.

make a leap of faith

Highlights the element of risk and uncertainty involved in taking a decisive step.

take the plunge

Suggests a sudden and decisive action, often involving a degree of excitement or apprehension.

seal one's fate

Implies that the action has determined the future course of events, often with a sense of finality.

commit irrevocably

Emphasizes the binding nature of the decision and the absence of any possibility of reversal.

go all in

Suggests a complete and unwavering commitment, with no reservations or half-measures.

bite the bullet

Focuses on facing a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and resolve.

set in motion

Indicates the start of a process or series of events that cannot be easily stopped or altered.

initiate an irreversible process

Highlights the start of a chain of events with unalterable results

FAQs

How to use "cross the Rubicon" in a sentence?

You can use "cross the Rubicon" to describe a moment when someone makes an irreversible decision. For example, "By publicly announcing his candidacy, he had "crossed the Rubicon" and there was no turning back".

What does it mean to "cross the Rubicon"?

To "cross the Rubicon" means to pass a point of no return, making a decision that has significant and irreversible consequences. It alludes to Julius Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon River, an act of defiance that initiated a civil war.

What can I say instead of "cross the Rubicon"?

You can use alternatives like "pass the point of no return", "burn one's bridges", or "take the plunge", depending on the specific context.

Is "cross the Rubicon" an idiom or a metaphor?

"Cross the Rubicon" is both an idiom and a metaphor. As an idiom, its meaning is different from the literal meanings of the individual words. As a metaphor, it uses Caesar's historical act to represent any irreversible decision.