cross a bridge

USAGE SUMMARY

"cross a bridge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a way to describe a physical journey or a metaphorical journey. The phrase can mean to physically pass across a bridge, but it can also be used to describe a passage that is difficult or daunting. Example sentence: She was nervous to cross the bridge, knowing that the other side held unknown challenges.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Visitors must cross a bridge to enter the exhibitions.

The New York Times - Arts

Some of them were apparently trying to cross a bridge.

The New Yorker

Good advice, as we had to cross a bridge with no railing.

The New York Times - Travel

Lovers fleeing political oppression tempt fate by trying to cross a bridge to safety.

The New York Times

"I wanted to cross a bridge so I paid the toll," he writes.

The New Yorker

The battalion is waiting to cross a bridge over the Diyala River.

The New York Times

To reach your table you may have to cross a bridge over a simulated river.

The New York Times

But first, they had to cross a bridge, and underneath that bridge lived a big, ugly, nasty troll.

Princeton University

In a simple experiment, a slime mold population was required to cross a bridge in order to reach food.

Harvard University

We cross a bridge over an algae-choked river into a tighter, dustier version of the streets of downtown Wen'an.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We put accidents and disasters behind us, otherwise we would never fly, cross a bridge or dive into a tunnel.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cross a bridge" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates the obstacle or challenge being faced. For example, "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it" is a common idiom for deferring a problem.

Common error

Avoid using "cross a bridge" in a context where it's unclear whether you're referring to a physical bridge or a metaphorical obstacle. Provide sufficient context to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cross a bridge" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of traversing a physical or metaphorical bridge. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

16%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cross a bridge" is a versatile expression with both literal and metaphorical applications. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in News & Media and Academic contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context to avoid ambiguity between physical and metaphorical meanings. For related expressions, consider alternatives like "traverse a bridge" or "pass over a bridge". Whether you're discussing infrastructure or tackling challenges, "cross a bridge" is a powerful image in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traverse a bridge

Replaces "cross" with "traverse", emphasizing the act of traveling across the bridge.

pass over a bridge

Substitutes "cross" with "pass over", focusing on the action of going across the bridge.

go across a bridge

Uses "go across" instead of "cross", providing a more descriptive alternative.

span a bridge

Changes the verb to "span", highlighting the bridge's role in connecting two points.

make it across the bridge

Adds emphasis on successfully completing the crossing.

get over a bridge

Implies overcoming a potential challenge or obstacle the bridge presents.

ford a river

This implies crossing a river at a shallow point, similar to using a bridge.

overcome an obstacle

Broadens the concept to any type of obstacle, not just a physical bridge.

reach a destination

Focuses on the goal of getting to the other side, rather than the act of crossing.

move forward

Emphasizes progress and advancement, abstracting the physical crossing.

FAQs

How can I use "cross a bridge" in a sentence?

You can use "cross a bridge" literally, as in "We need to cross a bridge to get to the other side of the river", or metaphorically, as in "We'll "cross that bridge when we come to it", meaning we will deal with that problem when it arises".

What does it mean to "burn your bridges"?

Burning your bridges means doing something that damages or destroys relationships, making it impossible to return to that situation or those people. It's the opposite of maintaining good connections. It is also unrelated to the literal use of "cross a bridge".

What are some synonyms for "traverse a bridge"?

Some alternatives to "traverse a bridge" include "pass over a bridge", "go across a bridge", and "make it across the bridge".

Is it correct to say "cross the bridge" instead of "cross a bridge"?

Both "cross a bridge" and "cross the bridge" can be correct, depending on the context. "Cross a bridge" implies crossing any bridge, while "cross the bridge" refers to a specific bridge already mentioned or understood in the context.