back burner

American  

noun

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

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

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back burner British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of back burner

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

The Dayforce study comes as Americans grapple with higher housing, healthcare, transportation and childcare costs — all immediate needs that can push retirement savings to the back burner.

From MarketWatch

The event puts any concerns investors might have had about Qualcomm’s entry into the AI chip market—if they ever had any—on the back burner.

From Barron's

Of the five, Gish is her least favorite, a girl every bit as clever as she was — a reminder of what she’s permanently put on the back burner.

From Los Angeles Times

The quarterly results could push trade concerns to the back burner once again.

From Barron's

Boeing’s plans represent a shift for the company, which had put some new aircraft development work on the back burner while it navigated multiple challenges.

From The Wall Street Journal