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.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't worry about the argument; burn that bridge when you come to it.”
“You are worried about quitting your job, but you should just wait and burn that bridge when you come to it.”
“Although the prospect of a confrontation with the board members loomed, he decided to remain silent and burn that bridge when he came to it.”
A mixed metaphor combining the idioms *cross that bridge when one comes to it* and *burn one's bridges*.
- 01
a bridge too far
A step or action that is too ambitious; an act of overreaching.
- 02
appetite comes with eating
Starting an activity increases one's desire to continue it.
- 03
as best one can
In the best possible way, given one's circumstances and abilities.
- 04
as far as one knows
To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.
- 05
as they come
As it is possible to be.
- 06
back to square one
Located back at the start, as after a dead end or failure.
- 07
beat as one
To share the same feelings.
- 08
become one flesh
To join together in marriage; to develop a unifying bond as a result of marrying.
Last updated August 10, 2026