be on the anvil

To be in a formative but immature or unready state; to be in the midst of being prepared, discussed, planned, etc., but not yet ready. The details of the proposed merger are still on the anvil, but we should see something ready before the end of the summer. There are a couple of projects that have been on the anvil since the new manager came on board, but nothing has taken any definite shape as yet. I agree, that initiative is a good idea, it's just on the anvil right now. Who knows when it will come to fruition.

between the hammer and the anvil

Facing two equally unpleasant, dangerous, or risky alternatives, where the avoidance of one ensures encountering the harm of the other. I was between the hammer and the anvil, for if I didn't take out another loan—and go deeper into debt—I could not pay off the debts I already owed. The police knew with certainty he had drugs in his car, so he became trapped between the hammer and the anvil: either lie to the police, or admit that the drugs belonged to him. You were really between the hammer and the anvil when you had to choose between your career and your relationship.

on the anvil

In a formative but immature or unready state; being prepared, discussed, planned, etc., but not yet ready. The details of the proposed merger are still on the anvil, but we should see something ready before the end of the summer. I've had a couple of projects on the anvil recently, but nothing has taken any definite shape yet.