English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
On the back burner
Meaning
The idiom "on the back burner" refers to something that is being put aside or held back for later, often because it is not currently a priority or it is still being considered or debated. It can also mean that something is being kept hidden or concealed, as if it is being cooked on a back burner rather than being brought to the front and dealt with directly.
Usage
- We had planned to start work on the project last week, but we had to put it on the back burner because of unexpected issues with the team's availability.
- The company has been considering a merger for several years now, but they haven't taken any concrete steps towards making it happen yet. It seems like the idea is still on the back burner while they continue to evaluate their options.
- My girlfriend suggested we plan a surprise party for our friend's birthday, but I told her we should put it on the back burner for now because we have so much else going on in our lives right now.
- The doctor recommended that we try some alternative treatments before we consider surgery, which is why we decided to put the decision on the back burner for a few more weeks while we explore other options.
- Our project proposal was rejected by the funding agency, but they told us we could resubmit it in the future if we make some changes. We decided to put the idea on the back burner for now while we work on revising our proposal.
Roots and History
The phrase "on the back burner" is believed to have originated from the way that food would be cooked slowly on a secondary burner behind the main one, allowing it to simmer while the cook tended to other tasks. Over time, the phrase has taken on a figurative meaning, suggesting that something is being kept in reserve or held back for later consideration.
Synonyms in English
- Hold off on it
- Put it on hold
- Take it slow
- Leave it hanging
- Postpone it
Synonyms in other languages
- En attente (French) - "waiting for" or "in anticipation of"
- 等待 (Chinese) - "to wait" or "to anticipate"
- تำیرسلب (Arabic) - "to delay" or "to postpone"
- המַּנִּים (Hebrew) - "delayed" or "put off"
- אֶסְרֵבַע (Hebrew) - "postponed" or "deferred"