back burner Hear it!

back burner Definition

back burner

noun

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

back burner Usage Examples

Preposition: for

  • while: Therefore, his training has been put on the back burner for a little while.
  • time: A column idea had been on the back burner for some time.
  • year: Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall explains how his amusing new book is all the better for being left to simmer on the back burner for some years.