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in cold storage

Idioms  
  1. In a state of abeyance or postponement. For example, We can't consider these design changes now; let's put them in cold storage for a year or so. This expression alludes to the literal storage of food, furs, or other objects in a refrigerated place. [Colloquial; late 1800s]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some kept them in cold storage, on computers or drives disconnected from the internet.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2025

But he has been rescued from a career in cold storage by Arteta, who worked with Sterling at Manchester City when he was assistant to Pep Guardiola.

From BBC • Aug. 30, 2024

The researchers also simulated a potential mitigation, placing honey bee hive boxes in cold storage so the bees start to cluster earlier and save workers.

From Science Daily • Mar. 25, 2024

Admittedly, it’s easier to bloom an Amaryllis, hyacinth or paperwhite Narcissus bulb that has been prepared in cold storage by the supplier.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 20, 2023

You couldn’t knock down the skyscrapers when the tenants left; so instead boards went over the windows and doors, and the great shells of commerce were put in cold storage.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

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