cross that bridge when you come to it

idiom/krɒs ðæt brɪdʒ wɛn juː kʌm tə ɪt/ 🔊 listen

Cross that bridge when you come to it means to deal with a problem when it actually happens, rather than worrying about it in advance. It advises against stressing over potential difficulties that may never arise.

📖 Meanings

1deal with a problem only when it actually arises
"What if it rains? We'll cross that bridge when we come to it." — What if it rains? We'll deal with that if and when it happens.
2not to worry about a problem before it happens
"Don't worry about the exam yet — cross that bridge when you come to it." — Don't worry about the exam yet — handle it when the time comes.

🔄 Related phrases

take it one step at a time →deal with it later →don't worry in advance →

💬 Common patterns

cross that bridge when you come to itwe'll cross that bridgecross that bridge later
❓ How do you say you'll handle a problem only when it actually happens?