burn the boats

To burn the boats is a metaphor for destroying any safety net you have. To go all in and decide to go after it regardless of the outcome. It originated from the conquering of the Aztecs by Cortez. Once they reached the shore of Mexico Cortez decided to tell his men to burn the boats. Meaning they would either die or conquer the land.

Tim: “ man I can’t leave this job, I’ll be homeless. I hate what I’m doing but I can’t quit and find something better. It’s too risky.”

John fucking Rambo: “burn the boats you pussy.”

Tim: “ man I can’t leave this job, I’ll be homeless. I hate what I’m doing but I can’t quit and find something better. It’s too risky.”

John fucking Rambo: “burn the boats you pussy.”