Rubicon, noun

Origin:
EnglishShow more From general English idiom ‘to cross (or pass) the Rubicon’ to take a decisive or final step; alluding to P.W. Botha’s use of this expression in his speech.
Often in the phrase Rubicon speech. Used to allude to a speech made by President P.W. Botha in August 1985, in which he was expected to announce substantial reform in government racial policies, but failed to do so. Often used ironically. Also attributive.
1986 Race Rel. Survey 1985 (S.A.I.R.R.) p.xxviiThe failure of the State President, Mr P W Botha, to live up to expectations that he would announce significant reforms in his August ‘Rubicon’ speech in Durban led to increased dissatisfaction with the government internationally and in business and opposition circles in South Africa.
1989 Sunday Times 31 Dec. 18His (sc. Mr P.W. Botha’s) Rubicon speech of 1985 knocked South Africa down to Third World status and made inevitable the imposition of far-reaching sanctions in 1986.
1990 Weekly Mail 2 Feb. 1According to the NP source,..Pik Botha was ‘terrified of a Rubicon repeat’ and wanted Nelson Mandela to be released on Monday January 29 — a move which the cabinet came close to accepting.
1990 A. Berry in Weekly Mail 12 (cartoon)So cut out the finger business and any mention of taking Mandela across the Rubicon!
1990 B. Ronge in Sunday Times 16 Dec. (Mag. Sect.) 6Connoisseurs of political catastrophe will surely get a subtle, arcane thrill out of owning the nail-clipper that groomed the fatal Botha finger that set us over the Rubicon and into social and economic chaos.
1991 A. Van Wyk Birth of New Afrikaner 100P.W. Botha’s so-called Rubicon speech..was as unseemly and untimely an exhibition of kragdadigheid (power play) as a brawl at a prayer meeting.
1993 C. Crocker in Sunday Times 16 May 25This speech offered a welcome contrast to the Rubicon precedent.
1994 J. Lane in Style Oct. 22It was the early eighties and PW Botha had not yet encountered the Rubicon.
1995 J. Smith on Radio South Africa 12 Jan. (Newsbrief)The days of the Rubicon and the state of emergency — difficult days.
Often in the phrase Rubicon speech.Used to allude to a speech made by President P.W. Botha in August 1985, in which he was expected to announce substantial reform in government racial policies, but failed to do so. Often used ironically. Also attributive.
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