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cross that bridge when you come to it

to deal with a problem when it arises

In Idioms & Sayings

In more detail

(idiom) to deal with a problem when it actually happens, rather than worrying about it in advance

Examples

• I don't know if I'll get the job, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

How to use cross that bridge when you come to it

This is an idiomatic expression used to suggest postponing concern about a potential future problem until it actually occurs. It conveys a pragmatic, often reassuring tone and is commonly used in both spoken and written English to discourage premature worry or planning for hypothetical scenarios. It implies acceptance of uncertainty and focus on present concerns rather than speculative future ones.

Register: informal

Common phrases

• we'll cross that bridge when we come to it
• I'll cross that bridge when I get there
• no point crossing that bridge yet
• why cross that bridge now?

Synonyms

deal with that problem when it arises · handle it when the time comes · worry about it later · face that challenge if and when it happens

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse the temporal logic, using it to mean 'avoid the problem entirely' rather than 'deal with it when it actually happens'—the idiom assumes you will eventually face the issue, just not before necessary.

Nearby in Idioms & Sayings

bury the hatchet, by the book, caught red-handed, devil's advocate, down to earth, easier said than done

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained