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 • Nov. 10, 2020

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