# cross the Thames

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cross-the-thames
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Alternative form of swim the Thames.

## Examples

- He decided to cross the Thames on a dare.
- During the charity event, many brave swimmers attempted to cross the Thames despite the cold water.
- The athlete trained for months, determined to cross the Thames as part of his grueling open-water swimming challenge.

## Origin

The idiom is a variant of cross the Tiber, formed by the substitution of London’s river Thames for Rome’s river Tiber.

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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.