MEANING
To leave a possible future problem alone until it actually needs attention.
Use it for
not worrying about a problem too early; dealing with difficulties only when they arise; postponing a hypothetical decision; avoiding unnecessary advance worryDefers a hypothetical difficulty without claiming that it cannot occur. Writing functions: Deferring a possible problem. Semantic categories (by meaning): Timing; Uncertainty; Worry. Contexts: General conversation; Creative prose.
On the page
If the grant is refused, we will cross that bridge when we come to it.
He asked about replacement parts, but she preferred to cross that bridge when she came to it.
Word forms
- Base
- cross that bridge when you come to it
Usage notes
A flexible clause: I will cross that bridge when I come to it; we will cross that bridge when we come to it. Get to it is an established alternative. Register: neutral. Commonness: common (qualitative editorial estimate, informed by dictionaries/corpus).
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
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