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
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.
