back burner

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.

back burner

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of back burner¹

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 event puts any concerns investors might have had about Qualcomm’s entry into the AI chip market—if they ever had any—on the back burner.

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Of the five, Gish is her least favorite, a girl every bit as clever as she was — a reminder of what she’s permanently put on the back burner.

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The quarterly results could push trade concerns to the back burner once again.

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Boeing’s plans represent a shift for the company, which had put some new aircraft development work on the back burner while it navigated multiple challenges.

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Parton has also put writing new music on the back burner following the death of her husband in March.

Read more on Los Angeles Times