æt ə ˈkrɒsroʊdz
Travel
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- standing at a place where two or more roads meet
What does "at a crossroads" mean?
at a point where an important decision must be made
Examples
- After graduating, she found herself at a crossroads — pursue law or follow her passion for music.
- The company is at a crossroads and must decide whether to expand internationally.
- Our relationship is at a crossroads.
Origin
Crossroads have held symbolic significance since ancient times.
How to use it
Used when describing a moment of important decision-making.
Similar expressions
at a turning point
at a junction
Opposites
on a clear path
set in one's ways
Related idioms
- hit the road
To leave or depart on a journey
- in the same boat
In the same difficult situation as someone else
- miss the boat
To miss an opportunity
- go the extra mile
to make more effort than is expected or required
- a long way to go
much more work or progress is needed before completion
- that ship has sailed
The opportunity has passed
Use it in a practice answer
Try "at a crossroads" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.