proverb · Words worth keeping
Don’t cross a bridge till you come to it.
Don’t cross a bridge till you come to it.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Crossing a bridge before reaching it pictures dealing prematurely with a future obstacle. The saying asks that uncertain problems not consume all present attention.
Example
Someone notes a possible future decision, makes the preparation currently needed and returns to today’s task.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
A bridge marks a point on a journey at which a particular response becomes necessary. A qualified reading separates anticipatory worry from useful planning; it does not make future problems unreal or forbid preparing for them. The relevant question is what can responsibly be done now.
When to use it
Use it to balance current attention with proportionate preparation.
Keep in mind
A real future risk may need action now; the phrase is not a universal reason to postpone it.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown