backburner

back burner

Where low-priority tasks figuratively reside. Typically used in the phrase "put (something) on the back burner." The phrase refers to the back burner of a stove, which is where pots are usually placed to simmer on low heat. I know you're eager to start on this new project, but I'm afraid it's going on the back burner—we just don't have the budget for it right now. You need to go to a doctor! You can't put your health on the back burner any longer!
See also: back, burner

on the back burner

Of a low priority; given less or little thought or attention; postponed or suspended. I think that painting the house should be on the back burner until we decide on what furniture we want to buy. I'm going to be putting work stuff on the back burner for a while after my son is born.
See also: back, burner, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

*on the back burner

Fig. [of something] on hold or suspended temporarily. (Alludes to putting a pot that needs less active attention on a back burner of a stove, leaving space for pots that need to be stirred. Compare this with on the front burner. *Typically: be ~; put something ~.) The building project is on the back burner for now. This matter was on the back burner for a long time.
See also: back, burner, on
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

on the back burner

COMMON If you put a project or issue on the back burner, you decide not to do anything about it until a later date. Note: A burner is one of the rings or plates on the top of a cooker. She put her career on the back burner after marrying her co-star two years ago. People's dreams have once again been put on the back burner as they concern themselves with survival from one day to the next. Note: Back burner is used in other structures and expressions with a similar meaning. Long-term health care advocates worry that the expense will push this issue onto a back burner. In this climate, website development is an obvious candidate for the back burner.
See also: back, burner, on
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

on the back (or front) burner

having low (or high) priority. informal
The metaphor here is from cooking on a stove with several burners of varying heat: food cooking at a lower temperature on a back burner receives or requires less frequent attention than that cooking at a high temperature on a front burner. Compare with the mainly North American expression cook on the front burner meaning ‘be on the way to rapid success’.
See also: back, burner, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

on the back ˈburner

(informal) (of an idea, a plan, etc.) left for the present time, to be done or considered later: The job was put on the back burner when more important assignments arrived.
A burner is one of the parts of a cooker/stove that produces a flame.
See also: back, burner, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

on the back burner

mod. out of the way; aside and out of consideration. (see also on the shelf.) We will have to put this on the back burner for a while.
See also: back, burner, on
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

on the back burner

As a low priority: kept the project on the back burner all summer.
See also: back, burner, on
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • back burner
  • burner
  • back-to-back-to-back
  • come back anytime
  • backed up
  • come back and see us
  • back
  • back at (something or some place)
  • echo back to
  • be/go back to square one
References in periodicals archive
A second round clash away to his former club Bohemians is on the backburner for now as Shelbourne visit in a crunch top-of-the-table clash.
FENN TARGETS FOUR VICTORIES
Summary: Chandigarh [India], May 27 (ANI): AAP MP from Sangrur Bhagwant Mann on Monday sought reinstatement of special investigating team (SIT) member Kunwar Vijay Partap Singh, saying the process of bringing those behind the incidents of desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib at Behbal Kalan Kotkapura and firing incidents at Bargari had been put on the backburner.
Bhagwant Mann seeks immediate reinstatement of SIT member Kunwar Singh
The signal-free Islamabad Expressway from Koral Chowk to Rawat, which was to be started during the previous government's tenure, has also been put on the backburner owing to other priorities of the government.
Rawalpindi traffic
He said the government had indulged in non-issues in a bid to divert the attention of the people and the matter has been put on the backburner. 'Even the role of the opposition parties is very discouraging as they have not played their role in raising this important issue, ' he maintained.
QWP criticized government for its incompetence to address the challenges facing country
Surely the SNP Government should put thoughts of independence on the backburner and concentrate on putting the NHS on a footing which will ensure better and sustainable healthcare throughout the 21st century.
Get NHS on sound footing; Stirling viewLETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Fawad Chaudhry said that the lawmakers continued discussing the NAB and cases in the session due to which public issues have been put on the backburner.
'Younger brother' conducting audit of elder brother's projects logically incorrect: Chaudhry
It is impossible to ensure national development while keeping agricultural development on the backburner, said Dr Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.
Agriculture sector should get due attention
In a statement, he said the government had indulged in non-issues in a bid to divert the attention of the people and the matter has been put on the backburner. 'Even the role of the opposition parties is very discouraging as they have not played their role in raising this important issue,' he maintained.
Sherpao expressed concern over parliamentary committee
The government's decision to either exclude or put on the backburner the privatisation of all loss-making entities is primarily aimed at protecting its political capital, which could have been at stake due to any unpopular decision.
11 profitable entities shortlisted for sell-off
POLAND...............1 REP IRELAND......1 MARTIN O'NEILL heaped praise on goalscoring debutant Aiden O'Brien as Ireland put the Roy Keane row on the backburner.
O'Brien top draw on bow
He said the Parti Gabungan Sarawak (GPS) state government is putting the LRT project on the backburner to focus on providing more basic amenities like piped water supply ad building roads into the rural areas.
No LRT for Sarawak for time being, CM confirms
Highly-rated young frontmen Asoro and Maja are now in the final 12 months of their contracts on Wearside and the club is keen to agree new deals with the pair although talks have been put on the backburner while the club's recruitment staff prioritise the essential signings and sales that must take place over the next month.
Joel Asoro and Josh Maja need to think about first-team opportunities, says Jack Ross; Sunderland want to keep hold of the talented youngsters but other clubs are circling and Jack Ross says there are some big decisions to be made
The club is keen to agree new deals with the pair, although talks have been put on the backburner while recruitment staff prioritise the essential signings and sales which must take place over the next month.
Young guns urged to stay with Black Cats
'The PC-I is prepared every year for the purpose but the Ministry of Water puts it on the backburner. I've taken up this issue with the prime minister, chief justice and the army chief.
Call to raise Indian water aggression with WB