Come hell or high water

[1126] Cross that bridge when you come to it

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • Deal with a potential future problem or situation only when it actually happens, not beforehand.
  • Stop worrying about hypothetical issues.

Origin

  • Likely metaphorical, drawing on the literal act of needing to physically arrive at a bridge before you can cross it.
  • You can't cross a bridge that's miles away.
  • The sentiment dates back centuries, with similar ideas expressed in different ways, but the specific phrasing became common in the late 19th/early 20th century.
  • It advises practicality and focusing on present issues rather than future anxieties.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Don't borrow trouble.
  • Let's deal with that if/when it happens.
  • One step at a time.
  • We'll handle it when the time comes.
  • Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Biblical, formal, less common).

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Let's worry about that later.
  • One thing at a time.
  • Chill, we'll deal.

Milder/Standard:

  • Let's address that issue when it arises.
  • We can manage that situation if it occurs.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Appropriate in most informal and semi-formal contexts (workplace discussions, conversations with friends/family).
  • Might sound slightly dismissive in very sensitive situations if not delivered carefully.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Generally well-understood, but a very literal-minded learner might be confused if there's an actual bridge nearby.
  • The context usually makes the metaphorical meaning clear.

Examples

  • I'm worried about the final exam. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it; let's focus on this week's assignment first.
  • What if the client hates the proposal? Let's not panic yet. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Dialogue

Anna: What if we run out of funding next year?

Ben: Let's focus on hitting this quarter's targets first. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Anna: Okay, fair enough. Let's nail these targets.

Social Media Examples

  • Tweet: Trying not to stress about potential job cuts next quarter. Just gotta focus on doing my best work now and cross that bridge when I come to it. #WorkLife #Anxiety
  • Forum comment: Re: Worried about not getting the visa. A: No use worrying now before you even apply. Cross that bridge when you come to it.
  • Instagram caption: Lots of unknowns ahead, but trying to live in the moment. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. 🌉 #Future #Mindfulness

Response Patterns

  • You're right, no point worrying now.
  • Okay, let's focus on the present.
  • Easier said than done! (If the person still feels anxious).
  • A simple nod or Okay.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After agreeing (You're right):

  • Usually involves shifting focus back to the current task or topic. So, about this assignment...

After expressing doubt (Easier said than done):

  • Might lead to further discussion about the potential problem or reassurance. I know it's hard, but worrying won't help right now.

Conversation Starter

  • No. Usually used in response to someone expressing worry about the future.

Intonation

  • Stress often falls on CROSS and COME.
  • The tone is usually reassuring or dismissive of premature worry.
  • We'll CROSS that bridge when we COME to it.

Generation Differences

  • Widely understood and used across generations.

Regional Variations

  • Common in all major English-speaking regions (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.).
Come hell or high water
🎲 Cut corners