THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Cross that bridge when you come to it
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To deal with a possible future problem if it actually arises, rather than worry about it now.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- You can cross that bridge when you come to it; the course dates have not even been announced.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
0 of 1 checked correctly
Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
You can ________; the course dates have not even been announced.
Show the answer
Cross that bridge when you come to it — To deal with a possible future problem if it actually arises, rather than worry about it now.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Cross that bridge when you come to it” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To deal with a possible future problem if it actually arises, rather than worry about it now.
Compare: You can cross that bridge when you come to it; the course dates have not even been announced.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
GO DEEPER
More ways to understand and use it
Jump to a section
When to use it
Use this conversational expression when a possible problem is still uncertain and does not need a decision yet. Avoid using it to dismiss a problem that already needs attention.
More examples in context
- If the larger room is unavailable, we will cross that bridge when we come to it.
- I will cross that bridge when I come to it, once I know whether the two events overlap.
Usage note
Change you and come to match the subject: we will cross that bridge when we come to it. After when, use the present form here, not will come. The expression postpones an uncertain issue; it is not a rule against useful preparation.
A short conversation
A: What if next year’s classes clash with my job?
B: We do not know the timetable yet. We will cross that bridge when we come to it.
A: For now, I will check the course requirements.
One more practice question
When does this expression fit best?
A. A possible problem is uncertain and can be handled if it happens.
B. A confirmed problem needs an urgent decision today.
Check your answer
A. The expression concerns dealing with a future possibility later. It is a poor fit for a confirmed issue that already requires action.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.