Formation of liquid bridges between two solid surfaces is frequently observed in industry and nature, e.g. in printing applications. When the two solid surfaces are not parallel (with a dihedral angle psi between them), an interesting phenomenon emerges: if psi exceeds a critical angle (denoted as psi(c)) the bridge is no longer stable, and propels itself toward the cusp of the surfaces. In this work we performed, for the first time, a systematic study on the parameters influencing lip by combining experimental, theoretical, and numerical investigations. It was shown that psi(c) is determined by the advancing contact angle (theta(a)) and Contact Angle Hysteresis (CAH) of the surfaces: it increases as theta(a) or CAH increases, and these two parameters have a nonlinear and interdependent influence on psi(c). Based on our quantitative results, an empirical equation is presented to predict the critical angle, psi(c) = f(theta(a), CAH) in closed analytical form. This equation can be used to calculate psi(c) for bridges formed by moving down a pre-tilted surface towards a sessile drop on a stationary lower surface, or bridges between initially parallel surfaces which the top surface tilts after bridge formation. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.