Rubicon cultural definition

A river in northern Italy that Julius Caesar crossed with his army, in violation of the orders of the leaders in Rome, who feared his power. A civil war followed, in which Caesar emerged as ruler of Rome. Caesar is supposed to have said, “The die is cast” (referring to a roll of dice), as he crossed the river.

• “Crossing the Rubicon” is a general expression for taking a dangerous, decisive, and irreversible step.