How to Memorize

keep the project/idea on the back burner

Analysis

If you put something 'on the back burner', you make it a low priority because it isn't immediately relevant. This phrase comes from putting a pot on the back part of the stove or cooker while you focus on other preparations. Keeping a project or issue on the back burner means you intend to get back to it at a later stage. This is an idiomatic expression used in social and professional environments. Similar phrases are 'put it on hold', 'get back to it some other time' and 'deal with it later'.

Social Examples (Advance)

1. I had lots of ideas for how things could go, but I was told to keep them on the back burner until we got to that stage.
2. I have a few ideas on the back burner in case this one doesn't work out.

Professional Examples (Basic)

1. Building the database was the priority, so he had to keep other projects on the back burner until it was completed.
2. This stage of development will have to go on the back burner until we have the resources to implement it.

Further Suggestions