The phrase “on the back burner” is one of those idioms that you’ve likely heard in various contexts — whether in the workplace, in conversations about personal goals, or even in casual discussions about plans.
But what does it mean, and where did it come from? In this article, we’ll explore this idiomatic expression in-depth, providing its definition, history, real-life examples, and much more. By the end, you’ll understand when and how to use this idiom effectively and why it’s still relevant today.
Understanding idioms like “on the back burner” enriches your language skills and helps you communicate more clearly and effectively. So let’s get started!
What Does “On the Back Burner” Mean?
The idiom “on the back burner” refers to something that is delayed or not a current priority. It originates from the concept of cooking, where items placed on the back burner of a stove are of lower priority compared to those on the front burner, which are being actively cooked or attended to.
This idiom is often used in both personal and professional contexts to indicate that a task or plan is temporarily sidelined while more urgent matters are handled. It suggests that the matter is not forgotten, but rather put aside for later attention.
For example, if someone says, “I’m putting that project on the back burner for now,” it means that the project will not be prioritized at this moment but will be revisited when time permits.
Commonly Used Contexts:
- Workplace: A manager might tell their team, “We’ll put this on the back burner while we focus on meeting this month’s targets.”
- Personal Life: You might say, “I’ve put my travel plans on the back burner while I finish my degree.”
By using this idiom, speakers communicate that the matter is not urgent, but still worth revisiting when the time is right.
Origin and History of “On the Back Burner”
The phrase “on the back burner” has its roots in cooking, particularly in kitchens where multiple pots are simmering at once. In a traditional kitchen setup, the front burners were used for the dishes that required the most attention — those that needed to be actively stirred, watched, or adjusted frequently.
On the other hand, the back burners were typically used for foods that could cook slowly, like soups or stews, that didn’t need immediate supervision.
Evolution into Figurative Speech:
This cooking-related term became a metaphor for tasks or projects that were not a priority at the moment but would eventually need attention. The first recorded use of this idiom dates back to the mid-20th century in American English, particularly during an era when multitasking in the kitchen was common.
It was quickly adopted in everyday language to describe tasks that could be delayed or set aside without being abandoned. Over time, the idiom became more widely used in business, social, and cultural discussions to express the idea of temporary postponement.
Real-Life Usage Examples of “On the Back Burner”
One of the best ways to understand how “on the back burner” is used is through practical examples. Here are a few scenarios to show how this idiom can fit into conversations:
Example 1: Workplace Scenario
“The marketing campaign is on the back burner for now. We’re focusing all our efforts on the product launch next month.”
In this example, the marketing campaign isn’t canceled or ignored — it’s simply delayed because the product launch takes precedence in terms of time and resources.
Example 2: Personal Life Scenario
“I’ve had my fitness routine on the back burner lately. I’ll get back to it once my work schedule eases up.”
Here, the person indicates that their fitness routine is temporarily sidelined due to other priorities but will eventually be resumed.
Example 3: Pop Culture Reference
In the movie The Devil Wears Prada, Miranda Priestly tells Andy Sachs, “Your personal life is on the back burner. Work comes first.” This line illustrates the idiomatic use of prioritizing work over personal matters.
By seeing these examples, it becomes clear that this idiom is used to signal a shift in priorities, delaying something temporarily, or postponing an action without eliminating it completely.
When and Why People Use This Idiom
The idiom “on the back burner” is a convenient way to express that something will be handled later. People use this phrase for several reasons, including:
1. To Communicate Priority Shifts:
Sometimes, tasks need to be shifted down in priority to make room for more urgent matters. The idiom offers a soft way of saying that something won’t be attended to immediately without implying it’s no longer important.
2. To Avoid Disappointment or Conflict:
In professional settings, using this idiom can help avoid offending others by explaining that their requests or concerns are still valid but are currently not feasible due to time constraints.
3. For Strategic Delays:
In negotiations or business strategy, the idiom can be used to convey that a certain issue or project is not being abandoned but is simply delayed until the situation is more favorable.
In all these cases, the idiom helps individuals navigate conversations diplomatically without completely shutting down requests or ideas.
Synonyms and Similar Expressions
If you want to convey the same meaning but with a bit of variety, here are some synonyms and similar phrases to “on the back burner”:
| Expression | Meaning |
| Put on hold | Temporarily paused or delayed |
| Table it | To postpone consideration for later |
| Postpone | To reschedule for a later time |
| Put aside for now | Set aside temporarily |
| Put off | To delay or defer something |
These expressions share a similar meaning but can be used in different contexts depending on the formality of the situation.
How to Use “On the Back Burner” in Sentences
Knowing how to incorporate idioms into your speech or writing effectively is key. Here’s how to use “on the back burner” in different contexts:
Sentence Structures:
- Declarative Sentence: “The new project will be on the back burner until we finish this one.”
- Imperative Sentence: “Let’s put this idea on the back burner and revisit it next month.”
- Interrogative Sentence: “Do you think we should put this issue on the back burner for now?”
Placement in Sentences:
- Start of a sentence: “On the back burner, the marketing plan will stay until the new product launch is completed.”
- Middle of a sentence: “We should focus on the urgent issues now, and put the smaller tasks on the back burner.”
- End of a sentence: “We’ve made the decision to focus on other priorities and leave this on the back burner.”
By using this idiom strategically, you can express delays or changes in priorities with clarity.
Common Mistakes and Misinterpretations
While “on the back burner” is a straightforward idiom, there are a few common mistakes that people make when using it:
1. Confusing it with “Put on hold”:
Both phrases convey a similar idea, but “put on hold” is often used in more formal or official settings (like customer service), while “on the back burner” is more casual and conveys the idea of a temporary delay.
2. Assuming it’s permanent:
Some people misunderstand the idiom to mean that a task is permanently canceled. However, it simply means that something is temporarily not a priority, not abandoned forever.
3. Using it in inappropriate contexts:
Using this idiom in a situation where urgency is required can seem dismissive. For example, telling a colleague “let’s put this on the back burner” when the issue is time-sensitive could seem like you’re downplaying the importance of the task.
Related Idioms and Expressions
If you like “on the back burner,” you might enjoy these related idioms as well:
- “Bite off more than you can chew” – Taking on more than you can handle at once.
- “Juggle too many things” – Trying to manage more tasks than you can effectively handle.
- “Drop the ball” – Failing to take action on a task or responsibility.
These idioms, like “on the back burner,” also deal with the idea of prioritization and managing responsibilities.
Conclusion:
The idiom “on the back burner” is a powerful tool for communicating shifts in priorities and temporary delays. Whether used in the workplace or in personal conversations, it allows for clear and tactful communication about what will be dealt with later, rather than right away.
Now that you know its meaning, origin, and proper usage, you can incorporate it into your own conversations with ease. Just remember, it’s about managing expectations — letting others know that, while their concerns aren’t forgotten, they simply need to wait for the right time.
By understanding idioms like this, you become a more effective communicator, ready to express complex ideas in a simple, relatable way.
FAQs: Understanding “On the Back Burner”
1. What does “on the back burner” really mean?
“On the back burner” means something has been delayed, deprioritized, or put off temporarily. It’s still important, but it’s not being focused on right now.
2. Is “on the back burner” a negative phrase?
Not necessarily. It doesn’t mean you’re abandoning something — just that you’re handling more urgent tasks first. It can show good time management and prioritization.
3. Where did the phrase come from?
It comes from cooking. Chefs place dishes on the back burner to simmer while they focus on other things on the front burners. Over time, the phrase became a metaphor in everyday language.
4. Can I use this idiom in professional writing?
Yes, but use it carefully. In business emails or meetings, it works well to gently express that something will be addressed later, without sounding dismissive. For formal settings, alternatives like “put on hold” or “rescheduled” might be more appropriate.
5. What’s the opposite of “on the back burner”?
A few expressions you could use include:
- “On the front burner” – something you’re actively working on
- “Top priority” – something that needs immediate attention
- “In the spotlight” – something being focused on
Mitchell Tate is a passionate numerology expert and a dedicated spiritual guide at angelnumbering.com. With a deep understanding of angel numbers and their significance, Mitchell strives to help readers unlock the mysteries of their lives through the lens of numerology.
