on the anvil

on the anvil

In a formative but immature or unready state; being prepared, discussed, planned, etc., but not yet ready. The details of the proposed merger are still on the anvil, but we should see something ready before the end of the summer. I've had a couple of projects on the anvil recently, but nothing has taken any definite shape yet.
See also: anvil, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • anvil
  • be on the anvil
  • thrust (someone or something) on (someone or something)
  • thrust on
  • (Someone or something) called, they want their (something) back!
  • tomorrow
  • cheap shot
  • a cheap shot
  • bushel
  • one rotten apple spoils the (whole) barrel
References in classic literature
As, then, with regular, gasping hems, he hammered on the anvil, Perth passing to him the glowing rods, one after the other, and the hard pressed forge shooting up its intense straight flame, the Parsee passed silently, and bowing over his head towards the fire, seemed invoking some curse or some blessing on the toil.
While I am hammering on the anvil, you sleep on the mat; and when I begin to eat after my toil, you wake up and wag your tail for food.
Soler puts it: "He is one hell of a practitioner who has put his hammer full force on the anvil of fame and recognition."
The flat piece with the square holes can be held in place on the anvil with the anvil tool through the 3/4-inch square opening into the square opening on the anvil.
"Almost all manufacturers put their names on the anvil," Chip says.