Cross that bridge when you come to it

Definitions

• deal with a problem or situation when it arises
  Don't worry about potential problems or challenges until they actually happen, focus on the present moment and handle issues as they come

• avoid worrying about the future
  Don't stress about things that may or may not happen in the future, instead focus on the present and deal with issues as they arise

Examples of Cross that bridge when you come to it

• I'm not going to worry about finding a new job right now. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

  This idiom is used to indicate that a person is not going to deal with a particular problem or situation until it becomes more immediate or urgent. In other words, it means that the person is not going to waste time or energy on something that is not currently necessary or relevant. The image behind this idiom is of a person coming to a bridge in their path, and deciding whether or not to cross it at that moment. If the bridge is not essential to their journey, they may choose to avoid it and continue on their way. However, if the bridge becomes necessary, they will have to face it when they come to it.Pulling out all the stops

• The company is pulling out all the stops for their annual conference this year.

  This idiom is used to indicate that a person or organization is making a concerted effort to do something to the best of their ability. It implies that all resources and efforts are being utilized in order to achieve a particular goal or outcome. The image behind this idiom is of a person pulling out all the stops on an organ, in order to produce the loudest and most impressive sound possible. This idiom is often used in situations where a person or organization is trying to make a strong impression, such as a company trying to impress potential clients or investors.Bite the bullet

• I know this is going to be painful, but I have to bite the bullet and get the root canal done.

  This idiom is used to indicate that a person is going to have to endure a difficult or unpleasant situation. It implies that the person is going to have to be brave and face the situation head-on, rather than avoiding it. The image behind this idiom is of a person gritting their teeth and enduring a painful experience, such as having a bullet removed from their body. This idiom is often used in situations where a person is facing a difficult or unpleasant task, such as going to the dentist for a root canal.Break a leg

• Good luck with your audition! Break a leg!

  This idiom is used to wish a person good luck, particularly in situations where luck is important, such as auditions or performances. The image behind this idiom is of a person breaking a leg, which is considered bad luck in the theater world. However, in this context, the idiom is being used in a humorous and lighthearted way, as a way of wishing the person good luck.Burn the midnight oil

• I've been burning the midnight oil trying to finish this project before the deadline.

  This idiom is used to indicate that a person has been working very hard, particularly during the late hours of the night. It implies that the person is making a concerted effort to complete a task or project, even if it means sacrificing sleep. The image behind this idiom is of a person burning a lamp or candle late at night, in order to continue working. This idiom is often used in situations where a person is working on a project or task that is important or urgent, such as a student studying for an exam or a professional working on a deadline.

Conclusion

The idiom "cross that bridge when you come to it" is often used in a figurative sense to remind someone not to worry about potential problems or challenges until they actually happen. It emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and not getting caught up in hypothetical situations that may never come to fruition. This idiom can also be used to advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit.

Origin of "Cross that bridge when you come to it"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to ancient Roman times when the phrase "cross the bridge when you come to it" was first recorded by the historian Plutarch in his work "Parallel Lives." It was used to describe the concept of not worrying about potential obstacles or challenges until they actually occurred. The phrase became popularized in the English language in the 1800s and has since become a common saying used in everyday conversation.

The literal meaning of the idiom refers to physically crossing a bridge, but it has taken on a figurative meaning over time. This figurative interpretation suggests that one should not concern themselves with future problems or challenges, but instead focus on the present and deal with issues as they arise. The idiom also implies a sense of confidence and trust in one's ability to handle any obstacles that may come their way. It encourages a mindset of resilience and adaptability, reminding individuals to tackle problems when they are actually faced with them rather than worrying needlessly about what may or may not happen in the future.