Liliputin-5860

Arcole bridge was from the get-go never too far for me ... "
Napoleon Bonaparte

Liliputins. What, the heck, is this?
http://stihi.ru/2025/03/08/5867

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"a bridge too far"

The phrase "a bridge too far" refers to an attempt to achieve something that is beyond what is reasonable or realistically achievable, often implying that such an attempt may lead to failure or significant consequences.

It originated from a military operation during World War II, specifically the Battle of Arnhem in 1944, where the goal was deemed overly ambitious.
The idiom is commonly used to describe actions that are too ambitious or drastic to be realistic. It can also refer to plans whose ambition exceeds capability, potentially leading to difficulties or failure. This expression serves as a caution against overreaching in one's goals or plans.


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From the Get-Go – Origin & Meaning

Idiomatic expressions have always added color to every language. In English, from the get-go is a well-known idiom you might have come across in books, movies or just regular conversations. But are you sure you’re using the term correctly? Let’s decode its meaning by looking at its origin and how to use it appropriately.

Right From the Get-Go: Meaning Explained
From the Get Go Origin Meaning

The idiom from the get-go is meant to signify the very beginning or start of a process or period. When someone uses this phrase, they’re referring to something that has been the case since the start.

“I’ve been madly in love with you from the get-go.” This statement implies that one person has loved the other since the day they met.

Is It From the Get-Go or Gecko?
In case you’ve ever heard someone say from the gecko, let’s get one thing straight. The correct term is from the get-go, and no, it’s got nada to do with the tiny, adorable reptiles.

From the get-go means from the beginning or from the start. Sorry, Geico Gecko, you’re not included in this expression!

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Engraving shows Bonaparte crossing the Arcole bridge.
Actually the incident occurred about 55 paces short of the span.


Attempting to break the stalemate near Arcole, Bonaparte ordered General of Brigade Jean Joseph Guieu with two demi-brigades to boat across the Adige below its confluence with the Alpone at Albaredo d'Adige. He also sent a French battalion across the Alpone by boat near its mouth. The latter unit fought its way north along the east bank dike.
Trying to inspire his men to attack, Bonaparte grabbed a flag and stood in the open on the dike "about 55 paces" from the bridge. He remained miraculously untouched, but several members of his staff were hit by the intense fire and his aide-de-camp, Jean-Baptiste Muiron, was killed. An unknown officer dragged Bonaparte out of the line of fire and the commanding general ended up in the muddy ditch.

Adding to the confusion, the Austrians launched a sortie from Arcole and defeated the French battalion on the east bank. In the evening, Guieu crossed at Albaredo and eventually managed to flush the Austrian defenders out of Arcole. At midnight, worried that Davidovich was about to fall upon his rear, Bonaparte withdrew Guieu from Arcole and pulled most of his troops back across the Adige. He left a garrison on the Austrian side of the river to hold his bridgehead.
Napoleon's actions at the bridge of Arcole were quickly turned legendary by French artists and newspapers, making Napoleon a household name among the French. Thus, Arcole is widely regarded as the beginning of the Napoleonic legend, which would last until Napoleon's downfall in 1815.


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Napoleon in Italy Battle of Arcole

In 1796, at the height of the Revolutionary Wars, Napoleon Bonaparte took command of French forces in northern Italy. He was just 26 years old and had never commanded an army before. Within weeks, he had turned his ragged, demoralised troops into a ferocious fighting force, defeating the Austrians and knocking Piedmont out of the war. With success, Napoleon began to believe it was his destiny to shape the fate of nations. In this series, we follow Napoleon's first glorious campaign step by step. #EpicHistoryTV #NapoleonicWars #Napoleon


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Das 1796 in Neapel entstandene Gem;lde wurde von Jos;phine in Auftrag gegeben, die Napoleon auf seinem Italienfeldzug begleitete . Napoleon konnte als Modell f;r das Portraet angeblich nicht lange still sitzen; Jos;phine loeste dieses Problem, indem sie Napoleon auf ihrem Schoss sitzen liess und ihn fuer die von Gros geforderte Zeit umarmte.