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on the back burner

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*on the back burner

Fig. [of something] on hold or suspended temporarily. (Alludes to putting a pot that needs less active attention on a back burner of a stove, leaving space for pots that need to be stirred. Compare this with on the front burner. *Typically: be ~; put something ~.) The building project is on the back burner for now. This matter was on the back burner for a long time.

See also: back, burner

on the back burner

not getting or needing immediate attention After months on the back burner, the debate about e-mail privacy is about to be renewed.

Usage notes: often used with put: She decided to attend Harvard, where she would study political theory and put her acting career on the back burner.

Opposite of: on the front burner

See also: back, burner

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