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?
Go back to the top of this entry ↑
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