pʊt ˈsʌmθɪŋ ɒn ðə bæk ˈbɜːrnər
Business
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- Moving a pot to the back of the stove
What does "put something on the back burner" mean?
- To give low priority to something
- To postpone dealing with something
Examples
- I've put my hobbies on the back burner while studying.
- The renovation was put on the back burner due to costs.
- Don't put your health on the back burner.
Origin
From cooking—the back burner has lower heat for simmering, while the front burner is for active cooking.
How to use it
Implies something isn't forgotten, just not a current priority. Very common expression.
Similar expressions
deprioritize
postpone
set aside
shelve
Opposites
prioritize
focus on
put on the front burner
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
Try "put something on the back burner" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.