back burner

American  

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.

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back burner British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of back burner

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

See Examples For:

back burner

The film tries to make a tongue-in-cheek commentary about how the “Scream” reboot pushed Neve Campbell to the back burner and focused on a new group of teenagers.

From Salon ● Jun. 11, 2026

Retirement savings went on the back burner at age 50 when Ed Myrick’s son was born.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 7, 2026

Just when it seemed like investors were putting their concerns about private credit on the back burner, private investing fears reignited Wednesday.

From Barron's ● Jun. 3, 2026

“Today’s signal: that’s on the back burner now, not that it’s ever gotten off the ground,” Haines said in a note.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 2, 2026

Another oddity was my discovery, one afternoon, of a large copper pot bubbling on the back burner of the stove, a peculiar smell emanating from it.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt