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put something on ice

pʊt ˈsʌmθɪŋ ɒn aɪs

Business
informal
intermediate
Literally:
Placing something on frozen water

What does "put something on ice" mean?

  1. To postpone or delay something
  2. To suspend plans temporarily

Examples

  • Let's put this project on ice until next quarter.
  • The wedding plans were put on ice due to the pandemic.
  • We've put the expansion on ice for now.

Origin

From preserving food on ice to keep it for later. Extended to preserving plans or ideas for future use.

How to use it

Implies temporary delay with intention to resume. Common in business.

Similar expressions

postpone
delay
shelve
put on hold

Opposites

proceed
continue
push forward

Related idioms

  • on the same page

    In agreement or having the same understanding

  • cut to the chase

    To get to the point without wasting time

  • hit the ground running

    To start a new job or activity with immediate effectiveness

  • in the loop

    Included in the flow of information

  • the bottom line

    The most important point or factor

  • get up to speed

    To become fully informed about a situation

Use it in a practice answer

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