A.Word.A.Day: Rubicon
The Wordsmith word for today is Rubicon:
Rubicon (ROO-bi-kon) noun: A point of no return, one where an action taken commits a person irrevocably.
Is it a mere coincidence or a subtle warning that this is the word of the day on one of the most decisive days in the pending war on Iraq?
Comments
I’m a little surprised the origin of the word wasn’t included with the definition. (via Dictionary.com):
Rubicon: A small river which separated Italy from Cisalpine Gaul, the province alloted to Julius C[ae]sar.
Note: By leading an army across this river, contrary to the prohibition of the civil government at Rome, C[ae]sar precipitated the civil war which resulted in the death of Pompey and the overthrow of the senate; hence, the phrase to pass or cross the Rubicon signifies to take the decisive step by which one is committed to a hazardous enterprise from which there is no retreat.
Fitting, indeed.
Bob on 17 Feb 03