bridge
A structure that goes over water, a road, or another gap so people or vehicles can cross.
A structure built to span a physical obstacle, such as a river, road, or valley, to provide a passage between two points.
To connect two things or groups so they are closer or work together.
To make a connection between two things, groups, or ideas, often to reduce distance or differences.
The part of a guitar that holds the strings at one end near the body.
The part of a guitar or similar instrument that supports the strings near the body and transmits vibrations to the soundboard.
The place on a ship where the captain and crew control it.
The elevated platform or enclosed area on a ship from which it is navigated and controlled.
- Base: bridge
- Plural: bridges
- Base: bridge
- 3rd Person Singular: bridges
- Present Participle: bridging
- Past: bridged
build bridges
1Improve relationships between groups
To make better relationships between people who disagree or are different from each other.
- The event was designed to build bridges between cultures.
- She worked hard to build bridges with her new neighbors.
burn your bridges
1End chance of going back
To do something that makes it impossible to go back to how things were before.
- I think quitting without notice will burn your bridges with that company.
- Be careful not to burn your bridges when leaving a job.
cross that bridge when you come to it
1Deal with problem later
To wait until something happens before worrying about it or dealing with it.
- We might need more money, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
- Don't worry about next year yet; we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
bridge the gap
1Reduce or remove difference/distance
To make two different groups, ideas, or situations more similar or connected.
- We need to bridge the gap between rich and poor.
- Technology can help bridge the gap between generations.
bridge the gap
2Reduce difference between things
To make two different groups, ideas, or situations come closer together.
- This program helps to bridge the gap between students and employers.
- Better communication can bridge the gap between management and staff.
water under the bridge
1past problem that is no longer important
Something that happened in the past and is no longer important now.
- We had some arguments before, but that's all water under the bridge now.
- Yes, we had some disagreements, but that's water under the bridge now.
- Don't worry about last year's mistakes—it's water under the bridge.
- Don't worry about last year's problems; it's all water under the bridge.