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

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.

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After the 2024 general election, it seemed conversations about the Muslim war memorial were placed on the back burner.

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The problem is that in a four-party mandatory coalition like Stormont, making those decisions is even more complicated and more often than not, have ended up on the back burner.

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There he would attack the top of off stump with pace and nip while putting the variations on the back burner, as he would with the red ball.

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