Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it instead of worrying now.
word origin — From a Longfellow poem (1851) — there's no point worrying about a future bridge until you actually arrive at it.
cross that bridge when you come to it, not see the forest for the trees, play hardball, go out on a limb, burn the candle at both ends: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 idioms from Idioms set 49. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
cross that bridge when you come to it · idiom/krɔs ðæt brɪdʒ wɛn ju kʌm tu ɪt/
to deal with a problem only when it arises
Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it instead of worrying now.
Origin: From a Longfellow poem (1851) — there's no point worrying about a future bridge until you actually arrive at it.
not see the forest for the trees · idiom/nɑt si ðə ˈfɔrɪst fɚ ðə triz/
to focus too much on details and miss the bigger picture
She’s too focused on minor details and can’t see the forest for the trees.
Origin: From the 1500s English proverb — focusing intensely on small details prevents seeing the overall larger picture.
play hardball · idiom/pleɪ ˈhɑrdbɔl/
to act aggressively or ruthlessly in a negotiation or situation
If you want to win, you’ll have to play hardball with the competition.
Origin: From American baseball — hardball is the regulation, more aggressive game compared to gentler softball.
go out on a limb · idiom/ɡoʊ aʊt ɔn ə lɪm/
to take a risk or put oneself in a vulnerable position
I went out on a limb and defended her when no one else did.
Origin: From the 1800s — going far out on a tree branch puts you at serious risk if the wood snaps under your weight.
burn the candle at both ends · idiom/bɜrn ðə ˈkændəl ət boʊθ ɛndz/
to overwork oneself by doing too much
He’s burning the candle at both ends trying to work two jobs.
Origin: From a 1600s French expression — a candle burned at both ends melts twice as fast, like overworked energy.