I have heard this phrase used by a number of learned individuals.  I understand the historical reference to the Rubicon and it’s importance historically.  And while this understanding explains the phrase "crossing the Rubicon".  I am still at a lose as to the exact meaning of the phrase "under the Rubicon".  My guess would be either "all things fair and safe" or "all things Italian".  Niether of which seem to fit the context in which I heard it.  Any help would be apprieciated.

thanks

Frank Erfurth

Not one I’ve heard. Can you give context?

But here’s a random thought, likely wrong. Is it possible the phrase might have been "Under the rubric of [something or other]"?
It’s a phrase I’ve heard used when discussing several topics sorted under various headings: "Under the rubric of "Sales", we have three items that require discussion ..."

Grant

grant,

i’m not certain of the context in which i heard the phrase, but i believe that your answer may be on the money.  having knowledge of the "crossing the rubicon" phrase may have had me hearing something different than was being said.  

thanks!

frank

What does "crossing the Rubicon" mean? (Out of curiosity.)

seanmcox,

"crossing the rubicon" means crossing a line that commits one to a path; a kind of "point of no return."  julius caesar, before he become emperor, was a sort of general leading the campaign against the gauls.  he was so successfull that he bacame famous back in rome.  the senators, worried about his fame, ordered him to return alone (sans army).  julius knew that they were setting him up and instead returned with the army leading a charge against rome.  the small stream/river that separated northern italy from gaul was the rubicon.  julius knew that crossing the rubicon would be considered an act of war.  there are a number of famous paintings of julius caesar pausing at the rubicon and considering the weight of his decision.  oddly, the phrase, as i understand it, does not connote anything about the momentus victory or historical significance of caesars crossing, but only the sence of personal irrevocability.

frank

Anything Julius Caesar did was before he became emperor—he never did. Darn Republicans.  ;D