cross that bridge when you come to it

USAGE SUMMARY

"cross that bridge when you come to it" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to deal with a problem or situation when it actually happens, rather than worrying about it beforehand. Example: "I'm not sure how I'll handle the project deadline, but I'll just have to cross that bridge when I come to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

d) if you're not sure of the answer you can always say you'll cross that bridge when you come to it.

TechCrunch

I guess you cross that bridge when you come to it.

Wikipedia

You'll cross that bridge when you come to it.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But with both ambitions statistically unlikely, should I be preparing myself for six months on the dole - or should I be positive and assume that signing on is just a 'cross that bridge when you come to it' issue?

The Guardian

"You cross that bridge when you get to it," Coach Mike D'Antoni said.

The New York Times - Sports

I'll just have to cross that bridge when I come to it". Arizona completed its season Friday with a 28-7 loss to Arizona State.

Los Angeles Times

We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

The Guardian

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, if we come to it".

The New York Times - Sports

"We will cross that bridge when we come to it," he said.

The New York Times

"Many of them take a 'We'll cross that bridge when we come to it' approach".

The Guardian

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Ward said.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cross that bridge when you come to it", ensure that the context implies a manageable level of risk. Avoid using it for critical situations where proactive planning is essential.

Common error

Avoid using the idiom when detailed planning is crucial, as it suggests a reactive approach. For instance, do not use this phrase when discussing financial investments or strategic business decisions that require immediate attention and comprehensive risk assessment. Instead, reserve it for everyday uncertainties or speculative scenarios where delaying action is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cross that bridge when you come to it" functions as an idiomatic expression. It is a figurative way of advising someone not to worry about a problem before it arises. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cross that bridge when you come to it" is a common idiom used to advise against worrying about potential problems prematurely. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, conveying a sense of pragmatic problem-solving. While effective for minor uncertainties, it should be avoided when detailed planning is crucial. Alternatives include "deal with it as it happens" or "handle it when it arises". Overall, the phrase is a useful tool for encouraging a calm and collected approach to future challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deal with it as it happens

This alternative focuses on the timing of addressing the issue, similar to the original phrase.

handle it when it arises

Replaces "cross that bridge" with "handle it", maintaining the core meaning of addressing the issue when it appears.

face the music when the time comes

This alternative uses a musical metaphor, suggesting acceptance of consequences at a later time.

we'll worry about that later

Expresses a similar sentiment of postponing concern until the issue is imminent.

address it if and when it becomes necessary

Specifies a condition for addressing the problem, adding a slight emphasis on necessity.

tackle it when it presents itself

Uses "tackle" instead of "cross", implying a proactive approach when the situation occurs.

meet it when it arrives

This alternative uses a more formal tone, suggesting a planned encounter with the problem.

leave it for future you

Informal way to express delaying tackling the problem to a future point in time, putting off current responsibilities.

defer the problem until it's unavoidable

This alternative puts more emphasis on postponing until there is no other choice.

shelve it for the moment

This alternative highlights the action of temporary suspension of the problem or issue.

FAQs

What does the idiom "cross that bridge when you come to it" mean?

The idiom "cross that bridge when you come to it" means to not worry about a problem until it actually happens. It suggests dealing with issues as they arise, rather than preemptively stressing over them.

How can I use "cross that bridge when you come to it" in a sentence?

You can use "cross that bridge when you come to it" when facing a potential problem that's not immediate. For example, "I'm not sure how I'll pay for college, but I'll "cross that bridge when I come to it"".

What's a more formal alternative to "cross that bridge when you come to it"?

A more formal alternative would be "address the issue as it arises". This conveys the same meaning but is suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it better to plan ahead or "cross that bridge when you come to it"?

It depends on the situation. Planning ahead is crucial for significant risks or important goals. "Cross that bridge when you come to it" is better suited for minor, uncertain issues that don't require immediate action.