back burner

American  

noun

1. a condition of low priority or temporary deferment (usually used in the phraseon the back burner ).

   Put other issues on the back burner until after the election.

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back burner British  

noun

1. put aside for the time being, as a subject that is not of immediate concern but that may be activated later; postponed

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Etymology

Origin of back burner

First recorded in 1945–50; from the custom in cooking of placing pots not requiring immediate attention toward the rear of the stove

Example Sentences

Right now, with all the discussion about the new rules, and the more entertaining racing this year, this particular topic is on the back burner.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

Gold and silver prices fell early Wednesday after strong recent gains, with investors beginning to put geopolitical concerns on the back burner.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

Raj: Our personal lives were completely on the back burner for three years before this year.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025

The Dayforce study comes as Americans grapple with higher housing, healthcare, transportation and childcare costs — all immediate needs that can push retirement savings to the back burner.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 25, 2025

Another oddity was my discovery, one afternoon, of a large copper pot bubbling on the back burner of the stove, a peculiar smell emanating from it.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt