The language of daily life is rich in colorful idioms that bring ideas to life in vivid expressions. One of the most practical and widely used is “On the Back Burner.” I first came across it in offices, during political speeches, and in casual conversations with friends. It didn’t only mean delay, it originated from kitchens, where a pot not needing immediate attention is moved to a cooler part of the stove. This action lets food simmer without boiling over. Over time, the idiom made a shift into everyday speech, where it reflects how people prioritize tasks in both personal and professional life.
From my teaching practice, I’ve seen how a strong guide on idioms doesn’t stop at the definition; it dives deep into the meaning, modern usage, and even the history of the expression. For example, putting a plan aside doesn’t mean abandoning it; it means delaying it until the right moment. I often share examples and case studies where this common saying still pops up in work discussions or when friends say they’ll “handle it later.” Through comparisons with related phrases, learners begin to use the idiom confidently and correctly, adding depth to both writing and speech.
What I find most rewarding is how the phrase lets us discover the story behind an everyday expression. Cooking becomes a metaphor for life: some tasks require full focus, while others can simmer quietly in the background. This connection makes the idiom simple to use, reminding us to stay tuned into shifting priorities. It shows that not every plan must feel urgent; some can wait, giving balance and space to concentrate on what truly matters now.
Definition of “On the Back Burner”
At its core, the idiom “on the back burner” means delaying or deprioritizing something while focusing on more urgent matters.
- Literal meaning: In a kitchen, pots on the front burners are watched closely, while those on the back burners simmer and receive less attention.
- Figurative meaning: In everyday life, it describes tasks, projects, or even relationships that are postponed while energy is directed elsewhere.
Everyday examples
- “I’ve put my fitness goals on the back burner while finishing this big work project.”
- “The government put healthcare reform on the back burner during the economic crisis.”
The phrase doesn’t always carry a negative tone. Sometimes putting something on the back burner simply reflects practical prioritization rather than neglect.
Origin and Historical Background
Idioms often emerge from practical, everyday experiences. The origin of “on the back burner” is rooted in cooking and household management.
From the kitchen to language
In the early 20th century, American households and restaurants used stoves with multiple burners. Chefs naturally placed dishes that needed constant stirring or attention on the front burners, while slow-simmering pots were moved to the back burners.
Earliest recorded use
The idiom started appearing in print in the 1930s and 1940s. One of the earliest references can be traced in American newspapers, where writers used it to describe political and business priorities. Over time, it became a metaphor for any task or issue receiving less immediate attention.
| Period | Context | Example |
| 1930s | Cooking terminology | “Keep that stew on the back burner until the roast is ready.” |
| 1940s | Political discourse | “Economic reform was placed on the back burner during wartime.” |
| 1960s | Business management | “Marketing strategies remain on the back burner until budgets are finalized.” |
The evolution of idioms like this shows how common experiences — in this case, cooking — can shape broader communication.
Usage in Modern English
Today, “on the back burner” is used across personal, professional, and cultural contexts.
Breaking down the idiom’s components
- Back burner: Something simmering quietly in the background
- Front burner: Something urgent, active, and receiving immediate attention.
The two terms often appear together, highlighting a contrast of priorities.
Where you’ll hear it most
Personal life
- Postponing hobbies, health goals, or relationships.
- Example: “Travel plans are on the back burner until we save enough money.”
Workplace
- Prioritizing deadlines, client projects, or meetings.
- Example: “We’ve put the redesign on the back burner while addressing customer complaints.”
Politics
- Governments often move certain reforms or laws to the back burner in times of crisis.
- Example: “Foreign policy was on the back burner during the recession.”
Examples from media and literature
- The New York Times once described how climate policies were “on the back burner” during election campaigns.
- In business books, authors often advise leaders not to let employee well-being slip onto the back burner while chasing profits.
Common Misconceptions and Errors
Despite its clarity, people sometimes misuse the idiom.
Misconception 1: It always means procrastination
Not true. Procrastination is delaying without purpose, while putting something on the back burner implies intentional reprioritization.
Misconception 2: It means abandoning a task
No. It usually suggests temporary delay, not permanent neglect. The pot on the back burner is still cooking.
Misconception 3: It’s interchangeable with “forget”
Incorrect. To forget something is unintentional. To put it on the back burner is a deliberate choice.
Psychological and Cultural Insights
Idioms often reflect deeper truths about human behavior.
Heat as a metaphor
- Front burner = focus, energy, urgency
- Back burner = patience, waiting, reduced attention
This metaphor highlights how people manage limited cognitive resources. Just as a chef can’t stir ten pots at once, individuals can’t focus on every task simultaneously.
Priority and attention
Psychologists explain this with the concept of selective attention. By deciding what stays on the front burner, people preserve mental energy and avoid burnout.
Cross-cultural parallels
Different languages use similar metaphors:
- In French, mettre en veilleuse means “to put on standby.”
- In Spanish, poner en pausa means “to put on pause.”
- In Japanese, tasks are said to be put “on hold” (保留する – horyū suru).
These show a universal human need to express the act of postponing tasks without abandoning them.
Practical Applications of the Idiom
Knowing an idiom is one thing. Using it effectively is another.
Professional communication examples
- Email: “We’ve decided to place the budget expansion on the back burner until Q3 results arrive.”
- Meeting: “Let’s keep this idea simmering on the back burner while we finalize current deliverables.”
- Negotiation: “Our expansion talks are on the back burner as we stabilize core operations.”
Personal communication examples
- “My painting hobby is on the back burner while I focus on parenting.”
- “Friendships sometimes move to the back burner when careers demand more time.”
Alternatives and synonyms
To avoid repetition, you can use:
- Put on hold
- Put aside
- Deprioritize
- Kick down the road (more political)
- Delay for later
Related Idioms and Expressions
The English language is rich with idioms that overlap in meaning with “on the back burner.”
Put on ice
Means delaying something intentionally. Example: “Expansion plans are on ice until further notice.”
Front burner issue
The direct counterpart of “on the back burner.” Something urgent. Example: “Employee safety is a front-burner issue right now.”
Kick the can down the road
Often used in politics, meaning postponing tough decisions. Example: “Lawmakers kicked the debt ceiling issue down the road again.”
Other parallels
- Put aside
- Table a motion
- Let simmer
These enrich your vocabulary while keeping your writing and speech engaging.
Conclusion
The idiom “on the back burner” has traveled a fascinating path – from a literal stove to modern boardrooms and political speeches. At its heart, it reflects the reality of human decision-making: you can’t focus on everything at once. Some things demand full heat and attention, while others quietly simmer until the right time.
Understanding this idiom gives you more than just a phrase; it offers insight into how people set priorities and balance responsibilities. Whether you’re managing projects at work, navigating relationships, or simply explaining why you haven’t finished that book, the phrase captures it perfectly.
Next time you hear someone say an idea is “on the back burner,” you’ll know exactly what it means and how to use it with clarity and confidence.
FAQs
What does “put on the back burner” mean in business?
In business, it refers to delaying a project or initiative to focus on more urgent matters. For example, a company might put product expansion on the back burner to address supply chain problems.
Is “back burner” a negative phrase?
Not necessarily. It often shows strategic prioritization, not neglect. However, if something stays on the back burner too long, it can carry a negative implication of being overlooked.
What’s the opposite of “on the back burner”?
The opposite is “on the front burner,” meaning something is urgent and a top priority. Synonyms include “center stage” or “top of the agenda.”
Can you use “on the back burner” in formal writing?
Yes, though sparingly. It works in business reports, political commentary, or journalistic writing. In very formal academic papers, it may be better to use alternatives like “deprioritize” or “temporarily delay.”
Are there idioms similar to “on the back burner” in other languages?
Yes. French uses mettre en veilleuse (“put in standby”), Spanish uses poner en pausa (“put on pause”), and German has auf Eis legen (“put on ice”). These idioms show how cultures share the same metaphorical need to describe postponement.
