Rubicon Meaning and Definition
Rubicon
Pronunciation
/ˈruːbɪkɒn/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A point of no return; a boundary beyond which a person or thing cannot go back or change course.
Etymology
The word “Rubicon” originates from the Latin phrase “Rubiconem”, referring to the River Rubicon in northern Italy, which marked the boundary between Gaul and Italy.
Examples
- After the scandal broke, he decided to cross the Rubicon and speak out against the government.
- The entrepreneur took the leap of faith and crossed the Rubicon by quitting his job to start his own business.
Synonyms
- Threshold
- Boundary
- Point of no return
Antonyms
- Return
- Recant
Additional Information
The phrase “crossing the Rubicon” originated from Julius Caesar, who famously crossed the River Rubicon with his legions, marking the point of no return for his invasion of Italy. The phrase has since been used metaphorically to describe any irreversible decision or action.
Rubicon can also refer to a turning point or a decisive moment in history, politics, or personal life.
Usage Notes
The phrase “crossing the Rubicon” is often used in formal and informal contexts to describe a critical or decisive moment.
Cultural References
The phrase has been referenced in literature, art, and music, including in works by Shakespeare, Milton, and Bob Dylan.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Crossing the Rubicon” is an idiomatic phrase that conveys the idea of irreversibility.
Related Words or Phrases
Boundary, threshold, point of no return, irreversible, turning point
Collocations
Rubicon is often collocated with words like “point”, “boundary”, “threshold”, and “decision”.
Frequency of Use
The word “Rubicon” is relatively rare in everyday conversation but is often used in formal and literary contexts.
Common Misspellings
Rubicon, Roobicon, Rubecoon