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- DictionaryA bridge too far
- ▪ a step or act that is regarded as being too drastic to take
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The idiom “a bridge too far” is a commonly used expression that refers to an ambitious goal or plan that is beyond one’s capabilities. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to World War II, specifically the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944.
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- What Does “A Bridge Too Far” Mean?
- Example Sentences in Different Contexts
- Synonyms For The Phrase “A Bridge Too Far”
The Literal Meaning
The literal meaning of the phrase “a bridge too far” refers to an attempt to go beyond what is reasonable or possible. The phrase originated from a military operation during World War II, specifically the Battle of Arnhem in the Netherlands in 1944. During the operation, Allied forces attempted to capture several key bridges in the Netherlands in order to gain a strategic advantage over the Germans. One of these bridges, the Arnhem bridge, was considered a crucial target. However, the distanc...
The Figurative Meaning
The figurative meaning of the idiom “a bridge too far” is a situation that is beyond what is reasonable or possible. It is often used to describe an attempt to do something that is overly ambitious or unrealistic. For example, if someone says “trying to organize a conference in just one month is a bridge too far,” they are saying that it is not reasonable to try to plan such a large event in such a short amount of time. The phrase can also be used to describe a situation in which a person or...
She wanted to take on the project, but it was a bridge too far– there was simply too much work to be done in such a short amount of time.He wanted to propose to her, but it was a bridge too far– he wasn’t ready for such a big commitment yet.I wanted to apply for the promotion, but it was a bridge too far– I didn’t have the necessary experience.They wanted to expand the business, but it wasa bridge too far– there wasn’t enough capital to support such a risky venture.There are many synonyms for the phrase “a bridge too far,” which can be used to convey similar ideas or to add variety to your writing or speech. Some possible synonyms for “a bridge too far” include: 1. Too much to ask 2. Too ambitious 3. Too challenging 4. Too difficult 5. Too risky 6. Too much of a stretch 7. Beyond one’s abilities 8. Beyond one...
Jun 18, 2024 · A bridge too far is a common idiom used within the English language, but for many people its meaning can be confusing. We are going to take a look at what this term means as well as looking at where it originally came from.
What does the saying 'A bridge too far' mean? Idiom: A bridge too far. Meaning: A bridge too far is an act of overreaching- going too far and getting into trouble or failing. Country: International English | Subject Area: Buildings & construction | Usage Type: Both or All Words Used. Contributor: Keith McLaughlin.
May 23, 2024 · The idiom “a bridge too far” is typically used to reference something that is too ambitious or drastic to be realistic, or to describe an action that is very complicated and challenging to execute so much so that it is likely to fail.
- R. Wood
You can use "A bridge too far" to describe something that is unrealistic or unattainable. It emphasizes the idea that the goal or expectation is too difficult or far-fetched to achieve.
a bridge too far cliché An act or plan whose ambition overreaches its capability, resulting in or potentially leading to difficulty or failure. Taken from the 1974 book A Bridge Too Far by Cornelius Ryan, which details the Allies' disastrous attempts to capture German-controlled bridges in the Netherlands during World War II.
