back burner Hear it!

back burner definition

back burner

a state of temporary suspension, low priority, etc.: usually in the phrase on the back burner, in or into such a state

Etymology: from the idea of putting a pot on a back burner of a stove to keep its contents warm

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.