bridges
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun (plural form):
- Structures built to span physical obstacles: "bridges" refers to multiple structures that provide passage over obstacles such as rivers, roads, or valleys. A bridge typically connects two points.
- Something that connects or reduces distance: Figuratively, "bridges" can represent things that link people, ideas, or situations, helping to overcome gaps or differences.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The city is famous for its many historic bridges.
- Cultural exchanges can act as bridges between nations.
- Engineers are designing new bridges to improve transportation.
Advanced Usage
- "to build bridges": to establish connections or improve relationships between people or groups.
- The diplomat's mission was to build bridges between the two conflicting countries.
- "to burn one's bridges": to destroy one's path, connections, or opportunities, making it impossible to return to a previous situation.
- By insulting his boss, he burned his bridges at the company.
Variants and Related Words
- Bridge (n, singular): The singular form of the word.
- A new bridge was constructed over the river.
- Bridge (v): To make a connection or span a gap.
- This program aims to bridge the digital divide.
- Bridging (adj/gerund): Serving to connect or fill a gap.
- The meeting served a bridging function between departments.
Synonyms
- Viaducts: Long bridges, especially a series of arches carrying a road or railway.
- Overpasses: Bridges that carry a road or railway over another.
- Link: Something that connects two or more things.
Related Phrasal Verbs
(Note: Phrasal verbs are typically formed with the verb "bridge," not the noun "bridges.") - Bridge over: To help someone get through a difficult period. - This loan will bridge us over until the next payment arrives.
Related Idioms
- Cross that bridge when one comes to it: To deal with a problem only when it arises, not before.
- I'm not sure how we'll fund phase two, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
- Water under the bridge: Past events that are over and no longer important, especially mistakes or conflicts.
- Yes, we argued, but that's all water under the bridge now.
Noun
- United States labor leader who organized the longshoremen (1901-1990)