wiːl krɒs ðæt brɪdʒ wen wiː kʌm tuː ɪt
General
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- Dealing with the bridge when we reach it
What does "we'll cross that bridge when we come to it" mean?
- Deal with problems when they arise, not before
- Don't worry about future problems now
Examples
- If that becomes a problem, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
- Don't worry about retirement now—we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
- Let's focus on today; we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Origin
From the practical approach of not worrying about obstacles until you actually reach them.
How to use it
Calming response to excessive worry. May seem dismissive if overused.
Similar expressions
deal with it later
worry about it when necessary
take things as they come
Opposites
plan ahead
prepare in advance
anticipate problems
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "we'll cross that bridge when we come to it" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.