cross that bridge when you come to it
Meaning
Deal with a problem only when it actually happens, rather than worrying about it in advance.
Origin
From the literal idea that you don’t need to decide how to cross a bridge until you reach it; recorded in English from at least the 19th century as advice against premature worry.
Notes
Often used as calm advice not to worry ahead of time. Neutral to mildly admonishing, conversational. Can sound dismissive if someone’s concerns are serious.
Examples
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We don’t need to decide on the backup venue yet—we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
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If the client pushes back on the price, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
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I’m not going to worry about what happens after graduation; I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
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Let’s focus on getting the prototype working first and cross that bridge when we come to it.
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You might have to move for the job, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed structure: “cross that bridge when you come to it.” Often preceded by “we’ll”/“let’s” (“We’ll cross…”). Rarely varies; “that” may be “the,” but the full idiom is most common.
Synonyms
- deal with it when the time comes
- take it as it comes
- we'll see when we get there
- handle it when it happens
Antonyms
- worry in advance
- plan ahead
- foresee and prepare