# bridge over troubled waters

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/bridge-over-troubled-waters
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Someone or something that provides support, comfort, and a means to overcome difficult times.

## Examples

- 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.