put in mothballs

Idioms  

1. Defer indefinitely or for a very long time, as in We've put the plans for a new library in mothballs. This expression alludes to storing woolen clothing or other items with marble-size balls of naphthalene or camphor to prevent them from being damaged by moths. [1940s]

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Example Sentences

His dad died, his partner left and his myriad film projects had to be put in mothballs.

From The Guardian

That jersey may have to be put in mothballs for a while.

From Washington Times

But it doubled the combined snaps he had played since Nov. 9, when he got 29 against Arizona and had been put in mothballs for the five games since then before Sunday.

From Seattle Times

It’s just that Gates, who set an NFL record for career touchdown receptions by a tight end with his 112th in Week 2 against Miami, is not ready to be put in mothballs.

From Los Angeles Times

In Philadelphia, Rev. John Robbins Hart of midcity St. Stephen's Episcopal Church heard his secretary observe that a number of local churches were being "put in mothballs."

From Time Magazine Archive