i would appreciate if someone can advise me how the phrase "burning the bridge" was originated? Bos Brn

Question

I have heard it is something connected with Napolean. During a war his army was defeated and soldier started to flee from the enemy. Then Napolean ordered to burn the bridge, the only escaping source to force the soldiers fight until their death. I have searched net many times but i never get an answer.

Answer 1

You are close in that Napoleon was French, but its not the real origin. The key about it being French is that the famous Chinese military tactic book (The Art of War written in 6th century BC) was first translated into a European language by the French in 1782. Napoleon (1769 - 1821) claimed to have drawn great inspiration from the book.

Tu Mu remarks: "When your army has crossed the border, you should burn your boats and bridges, in order to make it clear to everybody that you have no hankering after home."

Soon after The Art of War was translated, the expression came into the English language. People just "caught on" since it was such an easy expression to use and apply to everyday life. The expression started appearing in written form around soon after the book was translated. The Art of War is still used today both applied by military and even businesses.

Answer 2

I heard something similar except Napolean was not doing the bridge burning. The people who he came to destroy were doing the bridge burning ( they also burned their homes and crops so Napolean's army would have no food or shelter). Napolean's army had no sheter, no food and all bridges were gone; they decided to retreat when record sub- zero temps
literally froze men while they slept. As they returned, all bridges had to be rebuilt.Most of the men died and Napolean barley made it back alive. Pretty smart strategy. I guess the phrase could have originated that way, but who knows.