bridge over troubled waters
Someone or something that provides support, comfort, and a means to overcome difficult times.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“A good friend can be a bridge over troubled waters.”
“During the difficult months after the accident, his family acted as a bridge over troubled waters for him.”
“In times of deep national crisis, the leader sought to serve as a bridge over troubled waters, offering stability and hope to a divided population.”
- 01
a bridge too far
A step or action that is too ambitious; an act of overreaching.
- 02
borrow trouble
To worry about future events not in one's control and that may not come to pass.
- 03
bridge the gap
To serve as or create a connection between disconnected or disparate things.
- 04
burn that bridge when one comes to it
To anticipate dealing with a problem or situation either by acting in a manner that alienates or cuts ties with others, or merely with the expectation of encountering trouble.
- 05
cast one's bread upon the waters
To perform a kind deed or favor without the motivation of any immediate reward or benefit to oneself, though with the possibility of eventual future return.
- 06
cross that bridge when one comes to it
To deal with a problem or situation only if and when it arises.
- 07
fish in troubled waters
To try to take advantage of a confused or troubled situation.
- 08
I have a bridge to sell you
An indirect way of expressing that the addressee is gullible.
Last updated August 10, 2026