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

The film tries to make a tongue-in-cheek commentary about how the “Scream” reboot pushed Neve Campbell to the back burner and focused on a new group of teenagers.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

“Today’s signal: that’s on the back burner now, not that it’s ever gotten off the ground,” Haines said in a note.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

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

Investors, soothed by a lowering of tensions between the U.S. and China, have put trade worries on the back burner.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Guilt, like pudding, began bubbling on the back burner.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman