back burner

noun

1. a condition of low priority or temporary deferment (usually used in the phrase on the back burner ):

   Put other issues on the back burner until after the election.

back burner

noun

1. on the back burner
   put aside for the time being, as a subject that is not of immediate concern but that may be activated later; postponed

Word History and Origins

Origin of back burner¹

First recorded in 1945–50; from the custom in cooking of placing pots not requiring immediate attention toward the rear of the stove

Example Sentences

In some Democratic-controlled areas, too, school funding has been put on the back burner.

From Salon

The decision, which was not confirmed to be a disciplinary action, comes as the shooting — once thought to be election-defining — moves to the back burner on the campaign trail.

From Salon

With Biden as the nominee, there was a real chance this issue would stay on the back burner.

From Salon

North Korea’s nuclear threat has been kept largely on the back burner by President Biden’s administration, but pressure has been rising.

From Los Angeles Times

“All of these things have been put on the back burner by the SNP because they have been obsessed and focused on independence.”

From BBC