Rubicon

The term “Rubicon” is typically used to describe a significant, irreversible step that has serious consequences. The phrase comes from ancient Roman history when generals who led their armies across the Rubicon River were considered to be committing an act of rebellion against the state. This was because it was forbidden for a general to bring an army into Italy proper. The phrase “crossing the Rubicon” is now used as a metaphor for making a critical decision that commits someone to a particular course of action, often leading to serious or irreversible outcomes.