Phrase guide

build bridges

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • General-American, Received-Pronunciation: /bɪld ˈbɹɪd͡ʒɪz/
  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -ɪdʒɪz

1

verb

Meaning 1

Often followed by between or to: to establish friendly relations or links.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, intransitive

Examples

  • to build bridges between China and the West

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: burn one's bridges

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: luoda yhteyksiä — to establish friendly relations or links
  • Polish: budować mosty — to establish friendly relations or links
  • Spanish: acercar posturas — to establish friendly relations or links
  • Spanish: tender un puente — to establish friendly relations or links
  • Spanish: tender puentes — to establish friendly relations or links