Tag Archives: realistic

I’ll burn that bridge when I get to it – Proverb

Nationality: American
Age: 19
Occupation: Student
Residence: Los Angeles
Language: English

Text: I’ll burn that bridge when I get to it

Context: “I’ve always used this instead of ‘I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.’ The original proverb feels way too optimistic. I’m not necessarily trying to be pessimistic, but burning the bridge is more accurate. When I know there’s something challenging coming up, I just want to get through it.”

Analysis: This isn’t the first time I’ve heard of someone twisting a traditional proverb into something original. Some people simply don’t resonate with the borderline toxic positivity that many proverbs carry, and as a result, they come up with a variation that they feel applies to them better. Some issues aren’t a bridge to cross. Sometimes, they need to burn. And while this spin on a very well known proverb might come across as too negative, I appreciate a more realistic take.