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.
Final details of the plan, which is part of her 2027 budget proposal External link, are still being worked out to bridge the gap between the assessed and actual market value of affected properties.
From Barron's • May 7, 2026
“The plan is knowing what you have and what you need, and then figuring out how to bridge the gap between those two things,” she said.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026
Both men have helped bridge the gap between South and North and have offered a theological and sociological approach that represents Southern concerns in a less abrasive way than, for example, African Catholicism might.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026
The new draft regulations attempt to bridge the gap.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026
My own fingers walk and bridge the gap to cup hers.
From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon
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.
