cross that bridge when you come to it
Deal with a problem when it happens, not before
Literally: Walk across a bridge when you reach its location.
Use this to delay worrying about a problem until it is actually right in front of you.
In 15 Seconds
- Stop worrying about future problems that haven't happened yet.
- Focus on the present task instead of hypothetical scenarios.
- A polite way to tell someone to stop overthinking.
Meaning
This phrase means you should stop worrying about a future problem right now. You will deal with it only when it actually happens.
Key Examples
3 of 6Worrying about a future bill
We don't know the price yet, so let's cross that bridge when we come to it.
We don't know the price yet, so we will deal with it when it happens.
Planning a long-term project
If the client hates the draft, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
If the client hates the draft, we will handle that problem if it occurs.
Texting a friend about a party
I'm not sure if I'll be tired later. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it!
I'll decide if I'm too tired to go when the time comes.
Cultural Background
The phrase became widely popular in the 19th century and is often attributed to the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. it reflects a cultural value of pragmatism and 'living in the moment' rather than succumbing to anxiety about the unknown.
The 'If' Variation
You can say 'if' instead of 'when' to emphasize that the problem might never happen at all! For example: 'We'll cross that bridge IF we come to it.'
Don't sound lazy
If you use this for a problem that needs immediate action, you might sound like you are avoiding responsibility. Only use it for future, uncertain issues.
In 15 Seconds
- Stop worrying about future problems that haven't happened yet.
- Focus on the present task instead of hypothetical scenarios.
- A polite way to tell someone to stop overthinking.
What It Means
Imagine you are hiking. You see a map with a river far away. You start worrying about how to cross it. Your friend says, cross that bridge when you come to it. It means: stop stressing! The river is miles away. You might find a boat. You might find a bridge. Why worry now? It is about staying present. Focus on the path under your feet today.
How To Use It
You usually say this when someone is overthinking. Use it to stop a stressful conversation. It works as a full sentence or a response. You can say, "Let's cross that bridge when we come to it." It sounds calm and practical. It tells people to prioritize current tasks. Don't use it for things you MUST plan, like a wedding. Use it for "maybe" problems that might never happen.
When To Use It
Use it at work when a colleague asks about a tiny detail for next year. Use it with friends who are panicking about a first date. It is perfect for texting a roommate about a hypothetical bill. If someone says, "What if it rains during our picnic?" you can use it. It is a great way to say "relax" without being rude. It shows you are a chill, level-headed person.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for serious safety issues. If your car brakes are squeaking, don't say it! That is just being lazy. Avoid it in very high-stakes planning meetings. If your boss asks for a budget, they want a plan, not a proverb. Also, don't use it if the "bridge" is actually right in front of you. At that point, you are already on the bridge!
Cultural Background
This idiom has been around since the mid-1800s. It likely comes from a longer proverb about not crossing a bridge until you see it. It reflects a very Western, pragmatic philosophy. It is about efficiency and mental health. In English-speaking cultures, over-preparing is sometimes seen as a waste of energy. We like the idea of being "flexible" and "spontaneous."
Common Variations
You might hear people say, "I'll cross that bridge then." Sometimes people shorten it to just "We'll cross that bridge." A more modern, slightly sarcastic version is, "I'll burn that bridge when I come to it." Be careful with that one! It means you plan to destroy a relationship later. Stick to the original for general advice.
Usage Notes
This idiom is very safe to use in most social and work settings. It is neutral in formality. Just ensure you aren't using it to dismiss someone's valid, immediate concerns, as that can come across as dismissive.
The 'If' Variation
You can say 'if' instead of 'when' to emphasize that the problem might never happen at all! For example: 'We'll cross that bridge IF we come to it.'
Don't sound lazy
If you use this for a problem that needs immediate action, you might sound like you are avoiding responsibility. Only use it for future, uncertain issues.
The 'Burn the Bridge' mix-up
Native speakers often joke by saying 'I'll burn that bridge when I come to it.' This is a funny way of saying 'I'm going to ruin that situation when I get there.'
Examples
6We don't know the price yet, so let's cross that bridge when we come to it.
We don't know the price yet, so we will deal with it when it happens.
Used to stop financial anxiety about an unknown amount.
If the client hates the draft, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
If the client hates the draft, we will handle that problem if it occurs.
Keeps the team focused on the current draft, not the reaction.
I'm not sure if I'll be tired later. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it!
I'll decide if I'm too tired to go when the time comes.
Shows a relaxed, non-committal attitude toward plans.
What if aliens land? Well, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
I'll deal with aliens if they actually arrive.
Uses a serious idiom for a ridiculous scenario.
Honey, we aren't retired yet. Let's cross that bridge when we come to it.
Let's not worry about retirement until we are actually retired.
Provides comfort by narrowing the focus to the present.
I'm focused on the role for now; I'll cross the bridge of moving when I come to it.
I will think about moving once I actually have the job.
Deflects a difficult question politely.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to finish the sentence.
I know you're worried about the car breaking down in three years, but ___.
The speaker is telling someone to stop worrying about a distant, hypothetical problem.
Complete the dialogue.
A: What if the hotel is full? B: We have a reservation, so let's ___.
This is a standard way to dismiss a 'what if' worry.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Cross that bridge'
Used with friends to stop them from worrying about dinner.
We'll cross that bridge later, let's just walk!
Standard use in offices and daily life.
Let's cross that bridge when we come to it.
Rarely used in legal documents, but okay in speeches.
We shall cross that bridge in due time.
When to use this phrase
Unnecessary Worry
Stop worrying about the weather next month!
Business Strategy
We'll handle the expansion after we finish this.
Relationship Advice
Don't worry about meeting his parents yet.
Travel Planning
We'll find a taxi when we land.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means you should wait until a problem actually happens before you spend time or energy worrying about it. It's about focusing on the present.
It depends on the tone. If you say it calmly to suggest focusing on current priorities, it is fine. If you say it to avoid a task, it might seem unprofessional.
Usually, no. We use it for 'bridges' which represent obstacles or difficulties. You wouldn't say it about winning the lottery.
Yes, people often just say We'll cross that bridge later. The meaning remains exactly the same.
Not exactly. It means you shouldn't over-plan for hypothetical problems that are far away in the future.
A phrase like Better safe than sorry or Forewarned is forearmed suggests you SHOULD plan for problems early.
It is great for emails and casual stories. Avoid using it in academic essays or very formal legal contracts.
In the past, traveling was hard. You didn't know if a bridge was broken or missing until you got there, so worrying before seeing it was useless.
Yes, that is a mistake. The verb is always cross. 'Jumping' would imply something much more dangerous!
It is equally common in both! It is a very standard idiom across the entire English-speaking world.
Related Phrases
Don't cry over spilled milk
One step at a time
Don't count your chickens before they hatch
Deal with it when the time comes
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