under the bridge

USAGE SUMMARY

'under the bridge' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a location or situation which is hidden, secretive, or otherwise away from the public view. For example, "The stolen jewels were found hidden under the bridge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Water under the bridge.

The Guardian - Books

He says, "Water under the bridge".

The New Yorker

But that's water under the bridge.

The New York Times

Mr Afghanyar is soon under the bridge.

Independent

He was homeless, living under the bridge.

Independent

"But that is water under the bridge".

The New Yorker

But that's all water under the bridge.

The New York Times

The water is under the bridge".

The Guardian

But it's water under the bridge.

The New York Times - Sports

Traffic under the bridge continued as normal.

The Guardian

"That's water under the bridge," Douglas said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under the bridge" to describe a location, ensure that the context provides sufficient detail to clarify which bridge is being referred to.

Common error

Avoid using "under the bridge" when you actually mean to convey a sense of closure or forgiveness (like "water under the bridge"). The literal meaning should be clear in your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the bridge" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun by specifying a location or position relative to a bridge. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under the bridge" functions mainly as a prepositional phrase to indicate a location beneath a bridge structure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. While generally neutral in register, its usage is common in news and media, often describing physical locations or circumstances related to shelter or marginal living. Avoid confusing it with the idiom "water under the bridge", which has a completely different meaning related to past events. Remember to consider the clarity of the bridge reference to avoid ambiguity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beneath the span

Replaces 'bridge' with a more formal synonym 'span'.

below the trestle

Substitutes 'bridge' with 'trestle', implying a similar structure.

in the shadow of the bridge

Shifts the focus to the shadowed area created by the bridge.

on the underside of the bridge

Specifies the lower surface of the bridge as the location.

at the bridge's base

Indicates the area directly at the foundation of the bridge.

sheltered by the bridge

Emphasizes the protective aspect of being under the bridge.

down by the bridge

Offers a more general indication of proximity to the bridge.

near the bridge's support

Highlights the structural element providing support to the bridge.

in the viaduct's shade

Replaces 'bridge' with 'viaduct', suggesting a longer, multi-span structure.

close to the bridge structure

Provides a broader description of being in the vicinity of the bridge.

FAQs

How can I use "under the bridge" in a sentence?

You can use "under the bridge" to describe a physical location, as in, "They found shelter "under the bridge" during the storm". It can also be used metaphorically.

Is "under the bridge" a formal or informal expression?

"Under the bridge" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts when referring to a physical location. However, its formality can shift based on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What are some common misuses of "under the bridge"?

A common misuse is confusing it with the idiom "water under the bridge", which means something from the past that is no longer significant. Ensure you're using it to describe a physical location and not a past event.

What does it mean to say someone lives "under the bridge"?

To say someone lives "under the bridge" usually means they are homeless and using the bridge as shelter. For example: "He was homeless, living "under the bridge"".