Fill in the blank: she quit without notice, effectively _______ at the firm

Question

She resigned without giving notice and sent a scathing email to the entire company, effectively _______ at a firm where she might one day need a reference. A). burning her bridges B). keeping her options open C). throwing her weight around D). sitting on the fence

Edvaya · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is burning her bridges. The idiom "burn one's bridges" (also "burn one's boats") means to do something that makes it impossible to return to a previous situation or relationship — to permanently destroy options or goodwill that may have been useful in the future. Why "burning her bridges" fits: Quitting without notice and sending a hostile email to the entire company irreversibly damages her relationship with the firm — a clear instance of bridge-burning. Why the other options are wrong: • Keeping her options open — the direct opposite; implies preserving future possibilities. • Throwing her weight around — using influence or authority aggressively; different meaning. • Sitting on the fence — avoiding commitment; about indecision, not irreversible action. Origin: Historically, generals would burn bridges behind advancing armies to prevent retreat — committing fully to forward action with no way back. Similar idiom: Cut off one's nose to spite one's face — harm oneself in an act of revenge.

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