cross that bridge when you come to it idiom meaning

"Cross That Bridge When You Come to It": The Idiomatic Meaning of "Wait Until You're Ready"

The phrase "cross that bridge when you come to it" is an idiomatic expression that means to wait until a particular situation or problem arises before dealing with it. This phrase is often used to suggest that people should be prepared to deal with unexpected situations as they arise, rather than making plans in advance for everything. Today, we will explore the origin of this idiomatic expression and its meaning in English.

Origin of the Phrase

The phrase "cross that bridge when you come to it" has its roots in ancient Roman history. It was first recorded in the works of Roman poet Horace, who lived from 65 BC to 8 BC. In his poetry, Horace used the phrase to mean that people should deal with situations as they arise rather than making plans in advance for everything.

Meaning of the Phrase

The idiomatic meaning of "cross that bridge when you come to it" is to wait until a particular situation or problem arises before dealing with it. In other words, this phrase suggests that people should be prepared to deal with unexpected situations as they arise, rather than making plans in advance for everything.

This phrase is often used to encourage people to be adaptable and to take a more relaxed approach to life, as it suggests that it is better to deal with problems as they arise rather than trying to predict and prevent them. By taking this approach, people can better cope with the challenges and uncertainties of life, and can better adapt to changes as they occur.

Examples of Use

Here are some examples of how the phrase "cross that bridge when you come to it" can be used in everyday situations:

1. "I'm not too worried about the job market at the moment, as I'll cross that bridge when I come to it."

2. "I'm not planning too far in advance for my vacation this year, as I'll just wait until I get there and figure out what to do then."

3. "I'm not too worried about the cost of living in a new city, as I'll cross that bridge when I come to it."

The phrase "cross that bridge when you come to it" is an idiomatic expression that means to wait until a particular situation or problem arises before dealing with it. This phrase is often used to suggest that people should be prepared to deal with unexpected situations as they arise, rather than making plans in advance for everything. By understanding and adopting this philosophy, people can better cope with the challenges and uncertainties of life, and can better adapt to changes as they occur.