Idiom Breakdown

cross that bridge when one comes to it

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Definition

To deal with a problem or situation only if and when it arises.

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Origins

A metaphor for an idea being like a train of thought and the problem being like the bridge.

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In Context

"It's possible we'll eventually have more books than available space for them, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
"They might be willing to admit, OK, yeah, if you invent superintelligence, things will probably be crazy. But I’ll cross that bridge when we come to it."

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Opposite In Meaning

cross a bridge before one comes to it

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See Also

all in good time
take something as it comes