bridge the gap

[ brij thuh gap ]

idiom

1. 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.

2. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bridge the gap¹

First recorded in 1855–60, in the literal sense

Example Sentences

"Ensuring that individuals in psychological distress can access care is a national priority. Addressing technical and financial barriers to teletherapy could help bridge the gap in access and promote equity in mental health care."

From Science Daily

The decision to extend the lives of the power stations will help bridge the gap before EDF'S Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset begins generating around 2030.

From BBC

According to a study led by Sylvana Côté, preschool education services significantly help bridge the gap between children whose mother tongue is French and those for whom French is a second or even a third language.

From Science Daily

The researchers, based in the University of Birmingham's School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, used a campus-based research kitchen to bridge the gap between laboratory-based chamber experiments measuring pollution from different cooking methods and less well-controlled testing in domestic kitchens.

From Science Daily

The authors advocate for nurturing AI-enabled polymaths to bridge the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications, driving progress toward artificial general intelligence.

From Science Daily