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So when we bridge a gap we connect two things, as in the headline "Bridging the gap", which refers to the Penang Second Bridge - set to be Southeast Asia's longest.

According to the news, the Penang Second Bridge will be the second linking the island of Penang to mainland Malaysia - the other is the Penang Bridge.

The phrase can also be used figuratively to show how two things are connected or how they belong together.

Many archaeologists have been looking for evidence that will bridge the gap between the two civilisations that were blooming on this delta.

A bridge usually goes over a waterway to join the two sides of land making it easier for people to reach the other side, but in conversation when we talk about water under the bridge, we refer to someone having a past problem that they do not worry about because it happened a long time ago and they cannot change it anyway.

Benson shrugged off the rumours about his past, claiming that it is water under the bridge.

And to reach the other side of the bridge we definitely cross it only when we come to it. The phrase "to cross that bridge when one comes to it" means that the person will deal with a possible future matter as and when it happens - and does not want to think about it until then.

"What if the message does not reach the front line on time?" - "We will cross that bridge when we come to it."

And as we know, bridges come in many shapes and forms, so I would like to give you a few terms for these structures.

First of all, a small and steep road bridge that usually goes over a narrow canal is called a humpback bridge.

The Rama VIII and Rama XI bridges, which are supported by strong steel cables hung from a tower or post at each end, are called suspension bridges.

When I was young, if my father happened to use Krungthep Bridge around six o'clock in the evening, we would get stuck on the road connected to the bridge because the bridge had risen 90 degrees to allow ships and other vessels on the Chao Phya River to pass.

Once the bridge returned to its usual position, all the vehicles could cross. This type of bridge is called a swing bridge.

And if you enjoy going into the mountains or the forest, sometimes you reach a spot where two cliffs or mountains are joined with a bridge made from rope, and that is how this type of bridge gets its name: a rope bridge.

 

Complete these sentences using the expressions explained:

1. Whether the supplies will be enough for the trip or not, I will … .

2. Being inexperienced, I upset many people when I first entered the workforce but that's … now.

3. Providing higher education to children in upcountry areas will help … the knowledge … between them and their counterparts in the city.

4. Kenny admitted that when he was young he was suspended from the school football team, but he looks at it as … now.

5. "I am rather concerned that your assistant will be able to implement this policy successfully." - "I will … ."

 

Answers: 1. cross that bridge when I come to it, 2. water under the bridge, 3. bridge … gap, 4. water under the bridge, 5. cross that bridge when I come to it

 

By Ajarn Parnsap Yomanage

nated@nationgroup.com