Put it on the back burner

Put it on the back burner

Definition
Put it on the back burner
DELEGATING PRIORITY LIST.jpg

Meaning:

"Put it on the back burner" is an idiom commonly used to suggest delaying or postponing something temporarily. Originating from cooking where less urgent ingredients are moved to the rear burner to simmer slowly while the more immediate items are given attention on the front burner, this phrase implies relegating a matter to a lower priority status. It denotes a decision to set aside a task, concern, or issue momentarily while focusing on more pressing matters. This expression conveys the notion of not forgetting about the matter entirely but rather shifting its importance or urgency lower on the list of priorities.

By using this metaphorical phrase, individuals signal a deliberate choice to deprioritize certain matters to manage time, resources, or attention effectively. It implies a conscious decision to postpone action without completely disregarding the issue. This approach allows individuals or teams to allocate their efforts efficiently, addressing urgent needs while still keeping less pressing matters in mind for future attention. "Putting it on the back burner" reflects a strategic mindset in managing responsibilities and tasks, ensuring that important matters receive the necessary focus while acknowledging the existence of other pending concerns.

Example sentences
The family decided to put the idea of getting a pet on the back burner until the kids were older.
The CEO decided to put the merger discussions on the back burner until after the annual conference.
With the current workload, we agreed to put the team-building activities on the back burner.
We'll have to put the idea of expanding the business on the back burner until the market stabilizes.
The company decided to put the proposal for a new product line on the back burner until next quarter.