bridge

be like painting the Forth Bridge (British)

if repairing or improving something is like painting the Forth Bridge, it takes such a long time that by the time you have finished doing it, you have to start again. Home improvements are a bit like painting the Forth Bridge. By the time you've finished the kitchen, the bathroom needs decorating and so it goes on.

See also: forth, like, painting

be water under the bridge (British, American & Australian, American)

if a problem or an unpleasant situation is water under the bridge, it happened a long time ago and no one is upset about it now. We certainly had our disagreements in the past, but that's all water under the bridge now.

See also: water

I'll/We'll cross that bridge when I/we come to it.

something that you say in order to tell someone that you will not worry about a possible problem but will deal with it if it happens. 'What if the flight is delayed?' 'I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.'

See also: come, cross, I'll, that

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bridge the gap

to make a connection where there is a great difference. He promises to change the tax laws to bridge the gap between the rich and poor.

Usage notes: often used with between, as in the example

See also: gap

cross that bridge when you come to it

to not worry about a possible problem until it becomes an actual problem. I might need a lawyer, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Usage notes: also used in the form cross the bridge or cross a bridge to begin to deal with a problem: We crossed the bridge when we decided we needed to discuss these issues.

See also: come, cross, that

water under the bridge

something that has happened and cannot be changed. I should probably have asked for more money when I was offered the job, but hey, that's water under the bridge now.

See also: water