Idiom B2 Informal

Cross that bridge when you come to it

To deal with a problem only when it actually happens, rather than worrying about it in advance

Meaning

Cross that bridge when you come to it — To deal with a problem only when it actually happens, rather than worrying about it in advance. It is advice to stay calm and not borrow trouble from the future.

Origin & History

The saying is proverbial and was popularised in the 19th century, with the poet Longfellow's writings often cited as an early printed example. The picture behind it is straightforward: there is little point in worrying about how to get across a river until you have actually reached the bridge.

The expression captures a calm, practical attitude to worry. Rather than fretting over difficulties that may never arrive, it urges the listener to wait, deal with each problem in turn, and tackle the crossing only at the moment it appears. The meaning has stayed steady ever since.

Example Sentences

SentenceContext
We do not know if it will rain on the day, so we will cross that bridge when we come to it.Planning an event
If the funding falls through, we will cross that bridge when we come to it.Business decisions
Stop fretting about the exam results; you can cross that bridge when you come to it.Reassuring a friend
What if the flight is delayed? Let us cross that bridge when we come to it.Travel
The manager said they would cross that bridge when they came to it if sales dropped.Workplace
I might need to move next year, but I will cross that bridge when I come to it.Everyday life

How to Use It

This idiom is informal and works best in conversation and casual writing, often as reassuring advice. It usually appears with the verb will and can shift tense, as in we crossed that bridge when we came to it. Keep the whole phrase intact, including the second half, and match the pronoun to the speaker, using I, we, you or they.

Common Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid

We will jump that bridge when we come to it.

We will cross that bridge when we come to it. — The fixed verb is 'cross', not 'jump'.

We will cross that bridge.

We will cross that bridge when we come to it. — Do not drop the second half of the phrase.

We will cross that road when we come to it.

We will cross that bridge when we come to it. — The fixed noun is 'bridge', not 'road'.

Similar Idioms

Take it one step at a time Don't borrow trouble Wait and see Piece of cake All Idioms →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Cross that bridge when you come to it" mean?
"Cross that bridge when you come to it" means to deal with a problem only when it actually happens, rather than worrying about it in advance. It is advice to stay calm and not borrow trouble from the future.
Where does the idiom "Cross that bridge when you come to it" come from?
The saying is proverbial and was popularised in the 19th century, with the poet Longfellow's writings often cited as an early example. The image is simple: there is no point worrying about how to cross a river until you actually reach the bridge.
Can you give an example of "Cross that bridge when you come to it" in a sentence?
Here is an example: "Stop worrying about the interview questions you might be asked; we will cross that bridge when we come to it." — used to tell someone not to worry about a problem before it arrives.
Is "Cross that bridge when you come to it" formal or informal?
It is neutral and leans informal. It is very common in everyday conversation and casual writing, and it can appear in journalism, but plainer wording is usually preferred in formal academic writing.
What CEFR level is "Cross that bridge when you come to it"?
This idiom is typically taught at B2 level. It is an upper-intermediate expression that appears often in spoken English and informal writing, especially as reassuring advice.
What are common mistakes with "Cross that bridge when you come to it"?
A common mistake is changing the verb, such as saying 'jump that bridge' or 'cross that road'. Another is dropping the second half, leaving 'cross that bridge' without 'when you come to it'. The full fixed form is 'cross that bridge when you come to it'.
What idioms are similar to "Cross that bridge when you come to it"?
Similar idioms include: Take it one step at a time, One thing at a time, Don't borrow trouble, Wait and see. These all share the idea of dealing with problems only when they actually arise.
How do I practise idioms like "Cross that bridge when you come to it"?
LexFizz's Flash Cards and Flip Tiles exercises are great for practising English idioms. Try writing your own example sentences using the idiom in context, and listen for it in films, podcasts, and conversations.
Can "Cross that bridge when you come to it" be used in writing?
Yes, in informal writing, emails, reviews, and journalism. Avoid it in formal academic writing unless you are quoting or discussing the idiom itself. In everyday writing it is a natural and reassuring choice.
Does "Cross that bridge when you come to it" have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, "Cross that bridge when you come to it" is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning: deal with a problem only when it arrives. The idiom is widely recognised across all major varieties of English.