bridge the gap
Americanidiom
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to create a connection between things that are separated either physically or metaphorically.
The mentorship program helps bridge the gap between middle school and high school.
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to fill in a gap or lack, as of time, money, understanding, or opportunity.
Student loans allow many to bridge the gap and be able to afford a college education.
Etymology
Origin of bridge the gap
First recorded in 1855–60, in the literal sense
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I think robo advisers are a great way to bridge the gap between DIY and having a traditional adviser,” said Jeff Judge, a managing partner at Maryland-based Chesapeake Financial Planners.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 14, 2026
But he started seven shots back and was unable to quite bridge the gap despite shooting a three-under 67, on a day when 17 players broke 70.
From BBC ● Jun. 21, 2026
In the meantime, voluntary buyers have to keep playing a role to bridge the gap.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026
Human stem cell-derived organoids can more closely reproduce human biology, helping bridge the gap between animal experiments and real patient outcomes.
From Science Daily ● May 29, 2026
Aphrodite’s words came back to Piper: You must bridge the gap between Roman and Greek, my child.
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.