On the back burner

usgb
idiom

To delay or postpone something for future consideration.

The company decided to put the new project on the back burner until the next fiscal year.
Visual representation of "on the back burner" - To delay or postpone something for future consideration.

Often appears as...

  • put something on the back burner
  • leave something on the back burner

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "on the back burner"
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Workplace Jargon

Often used in professional or business settings to discuss work priorities and project management.

Illustration for Workplace Jargon
Due to budget cuts, the marketing campaign is on the back burner for now.
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Temporary Delay

It implies an intention to return to the task or topic in the future, not to abandon it.

Illustration for Temporary Delay
Let's put this discussion on the back burner until next week's meeting.
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Subdued Urgency

It suggests lower urgency but doesn't mean the task or issue is unimportant.

Illustration for Subdued Urgency
We can't ignore this forever, but we'll keep it on the back burner until we handle the current crisis.
Visual representation of the word "On the back burner"

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