On the Back Burner Idiom Definition

The On the Back Burner Idiom Definition explains how putting something on the back burner usually means you’re delaying it, not making a priority right now, a common saying in work and personal conversations today.

This phrase makes sense when you think about cooking for a moment. When a pot doesn’t need immediate attention, you move it to a less hot part of the stove. That action ensures it keeps simmering without boiling over. This simple kitchen habit connects with postponing plans or tasks in real life, helping us discover the story behind this everyday expression.

In daily language, idioms feel rich and colorful because they bring ideas to life with vivid expressions. I first came across this one in offices, political speeches, and casual chats with friends. It originated in kitchens, then made a shift into professional settings, where people prioritize tasks. 

In my teaching practice, I’ve seen how a strong guide dives deep into meaning, modern usage, and history. A plan set aside is not abandoning it; it waits until later. 

This metaphor creates balance, showing some tasks require full focus, while others wait quietly in the background, giving space to concentrate on what truly matters.

What Does “On the Back Burner” Mean?

On the back burner is an idiom. That means it isn’t literal. Instead, it paints a picture.

Imagine a stovetop with pots cooking. The burner closest to you might be where you focus. The one behind it? You use that for food that needs less attention. It still cooks, but it’s not your priority.

In everyday English, saying something’s on the back burner means:

• You’ve set it aside for now
• It’s not urgent or top priority
• You plan to return to it later
• It’s not forgotten, just postponed

Here are a few simple interpretations:

• “We’ll deal with this later.”
• “It’s important but not right now.”
• “We’re not ignoring it; just delaying.”

The phrase often carries a neutral or slightly soft tone. It doesn’t outright reject something. It just delays it.

The Origin of “On the Back Burner”

Language often borrows from physical experience, and this phrase comes straight from kitchen life.

In old-fashioned stoves with multiple burners:

• The front burners got most attention—pots that needed stirring, watching, or adjusting.
• The back burners held pots that needed gentle heating.

That physical setup became a natural metaphor for prioritizing tasks:

Front burners = hot, urgent, attention needed
Back burners = warm, later, attention later

It’s a classic example of how metaphorical language evolves from everyday life. The phrase became common in American English by the 20th century as cooking stoves became household fixtures.

How “On the Back Burner” Is Used Today

This phrase appears in many contexts—casual chat, work discussions, personal goals, and more. Understanding the tone and intent helps you use it correctly.

In Workplace Communication

At work, people often say:

“Let’s put that project on the back burner while we finalize the budget.”

Here, it implies:

• The project isn’t urgent
• It will be revisited once priority tasks are handled

In Personal Life

Friends or family might say:

“My fitness goals are on the back burner while I deal with family stuff.”

Here, the phrase shows a temporary delay—not abandonment.

In Planning & Decision-Making

Often used in strategic discussions:

• App development features
• Marketing plans
• Budget allocations
• Career planning

Across all uses, the core idea stays the same: temporary de-prioritization, not cancellation.

Is “On the Back Burner” Formal or Informal?

A common question is: Can I use this phrase in professional writing?

Short answer: Yes, but with caution.

Context	Suitable?	Notes
Casual conversation	✅	Fits perfectly
Business meetings	⚖️	Fine if team understands meaning
Formal reports	⚠️	Better alternatives often preferred
Academic papers	❌	Too informal

In a friendly team chat, it works great. In formal reports or external communication, it can sound vague.

Better alternatives in formal writing:

• “Defer until further notice”
• “Postpone to a later phase”
• “Schedule for future discussion”

Correct Grammar and Sentence Structure

Idioms can be tricky if usage isn’t clear. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls.

Correct Version

• “We put the design update on the back burner.”
• “That idea is on the back burner for now.”

Incorrect or Unclear Version

• “We put it in the back burner” (wrong preposition)
• “We have it at the back burner” (awkward)

Rule of thumb:
Use “on the back burner” exactly. Not “in,” not “at,” and not adjusted.

Tense Tips

The phrase works with verbs like put, place, leave, or set:

• Present: “We put it on the back burner.”
• Past: “We put it on the back burner last week.”
• Future: “We’ll put this on the back burner after the launch.”

Real-World Examples of “On the Back Burner”

Examples make meaning stick. Here’s how the phrase plays out in real situations.

Everyday Life

Conversation 1:

“I wanted to repaint my room, but bills came first. So it’s on the back burner.”

Conversation 2:

“Dinner plans are on the back burner until I finish this project.”

Workplace Scenario

A marketing team meeting:

“Let’s put the new campaign ideas on the back burner while we focus on Q1 targets.”

Here, the phrase signals a shift in priority without rejecting the ideas.

Personal Goals Case

Someone planning self-improvement:

“Learning guitar is on the back burner until next semester.”

Clear and relatable.

“On the Back Burner” vs Similar Expressions

Language has plenty of phrases about delay, but they don’t all mean exactly the same thing.

Phrase	Meaning	Tone
On the back burner	Delay with intention to revisit	Neutral
On hold	Active pause, waiting	Neutral/Formal
Table it	Delay discussion, often formal	Formal
Put aside	Temporarily set away	Neutral
Shelve	Likely permanent delay	Negative/Final

Key insight: Not all delay phrases signal the same commitment to return. On the back burner sits in the middle—not urgent yet still alive.

When You Should Avoid Using the Phrase

Even good phrases have limits.

It Can Sound Vague

In professional communication, phrases like:

“That’s on the back burner.”

…can feel like:

“We don’t have a clear plan yet.”

In teams craving clarity, that can frustrate.

When Specific Timing Matters

For example:

• “We’ll revisit this in two weeks.”
• “Deadline postponed to May.”

Those give clear expectations. On the back burner does not.

When Working With Clients or External Partners

Clients often want dates, not metaphors.

Instead of:

“We’ve put this on the back burner.”

Say:

“We will resume this in Q3.”

See how the second sentence gives certainty?

Better Alternatives Depending on Context

Here are strong substitutes that match different tones.

For Professional Clarity

• Deferred to a later phase
• Rescheduled for future review
• Paused while priorities realign

For Casual Speech

• Temporarily set aside
• Waiting its turn
• On pause for now

For Strategic Planning

• Shifted to a lower priority
• Pending until resources free up
• Reprioritized for later focus

Why “On the Back Burner” Still Matters in Modern English

You might ask:

Why use a phrase if it’s vague?

Research in linguistics shows that metaphors help memory and understanding. When people hear a phrase tied to imagery (like cooking), they grasp it faster and recall it longer.

This is why:

• Phrases with physical origins stick.
• People use them to soften blunt statements.
• They help avoid sounding harsh or overly direct.

In daily communication, that matters.

Quote from cognitive linguistics:
Metaphors shape not just language, but thought itself. — George Lakoff

That’s why idioms like on the back burner survive even in digital, fast-paced communication.

Quick Summary: What to Remember

This section wraps everything into bite-sized clarity.

• Definition: Delaying something without abandoning it.
• Origin: From cooking stoves and burner priority.
• Tone: Neutral; softens the idea of delay.
• Work Use: Great in conversation; less ideal in formal writing.
• Common Mistakes: Incorrect prepositions (“in” or “at”).
• Alternatives: Use more precise terms when clarity counts.

FAQs

What does “on the back burner” mean?

It means delaying something or giving it lower priority for now, not ignoring it completely.

Is the back burner idiom used in formal writing?

Yes. It appears in business writing, professional discussions, and even political speeches.

Does putting something on the back burner mean it’s forgotten?

No. It simply means it will be handled later when time or resources allow.

Where did the idiom come from?

It comes from cooking, where food placed on a back burner cooks slowly while urgent dishes stay in front.

Can this idiom be used in daily conversation?

Absolutely. People use it often in casual chats, work meetings, and everyday speech.

Conclusion

The idiom “on the back burner” captures a very real part of everyday life: the need to manage priorities without losing sight of what still matters. It reminds us that delaying something does not mean abandoning it. Just like food simmering gently on a stove, tasks placed on the back burner continue in the background until the right time arrives. This idea helps reduce pressure and brings balance to both personal and professional decisions.

What makes this expression powerful is its simplicity and flexibility. It fits naturally into work discussions, casual conversations, and thoughtful writing. By understanding its meaning and origin, we learn how language reflects real human behavior—focusing on what is urgent now while trusting that other responsibilities will be handled later, when time and attention allow.