<P> Don't cross the bridge until you come to it is an English language proverb that is rich in metaphor . When taken literally, it does not make sense, but has meaning as a proverb . "Cross the bridge" is a metaphor for solving a problem or overcoming an obstacle . </P> <P> "Until you come" to the bridge is a metaphor for waiting until a vague or low - probability problem arises so you can learn more about what the problem is, before trying to solve or overcome it . </P> <P> The following sentences paraphrase various aspects of the proverb: </P> <Ol> <Li> "Wait for ill - defined problems to be clarified before dealing with them ." </Li> <Li> "Don't be concerned about distant - future problems until they become near - present problems ." </Li> <Li> "Don't try to solve that problem until you are prepared to deal with it ." </Li> <Li> "Don't waste your time preparing for all potential problems, because most of them will no longer be problems when you get to them, or because conditions will have changed by then ." </Li> <Li> "Don't work on that problem until the scheduled time ." </Li> </Ol>

Dont cross your bridges before you come to them