The idiom On the Back Burner might sound like a simple kitchen phrase, but it carries layered expression and deep meaning. In a literal sense, it comes from stovetop practice, where cooks let food keep simmering while preparing more important dishes. Over time, this concept evolved beyond the kitchen and became relevant in corporate, political, and personal contexts.
I often think of my work schedules and projects that have to wait due to shifting priorities. Putting something temporarily aside isn’t about abandoning or having it canceled—it’s a strategy that helps me manage decisions, deadlines, and goals with wisdom and patience.
There’s real psychological depth in this everyday saying. When we analyze how we shift attention, we realize that pause or delay doesn’t always mean a setback; sometimes it’s what makes the final outcomes stronger. Through this nuance, I’ve learned to see my habits, conversations, and thought patterns differently.
A thoughtful guide to staying calm and maintaining focus brings lasting insight in fast-moving environments. This cultural relevance of knowing when to slow down feels more important today than ever, helping us find sense and balance in a complex, ever-changing world.
Definition of “On the Back Burner”
The idiom “on the back burner” means to temporarily delay, postpone, or deprioritize something without completely abandoning it.
Think of a kitchen stove — pots on the front burners get the most attention, while dishes simmering on the back burners are still cooking, just not as urgently. That’s where the metaphor comes from.
| Aspect | Explanation | Example |
| Literal Meaning | Placing a pot on the back burner of a stove to cook slowly. | “I moved the soup pot to the back burner to let it simmer.” |
| Figurative Meaning | Setting aside a task or idea for later attention. | “I’ve put my book project on the back burner until next semester.” |
In short, something “on the back burner” isn’t forgotten — it’s just waiting its turn.
Origin and Etymology of “On the Back Burner”
Like many idioms in English, this one started in a very literal setting: the kitchen.
The phrase dates back to the 1940s, when home cooking was central to daily American life. Stoves had multiple burners — some at the front for active cooking and others at the back for simmering or keeping food warm.
Early written uses of the idiom appeared in mid-20th century cookbooks and household magazines, where cooks were advised to “keep sauce on the back burner while preparing the main dish.”
Over time, this practical phrase became a powerful metaphor. By the 1960s, you’d find it appearing in newspapers, political speeches, and business talk, referring to delayed priorities rather than simmering pots.
Fun Fact: The phrase’s popularity surged in the 1970s, especially in corporate and academic contexts, symbolizing strategic delay rather than neglect.
Evolution of Usage Over Time
Language mirrors culture — and “on the back burner” evolved with America’s changing relationship with time and productivity.
In the post–World War II era, Americans embraced efficiency and multitasking. The idiom became shorthand for juggling multiple priorities — a polite way to say, “We’ll get to it later.”
Historical Timeline of the Phrase
| Decade | Usage Trend | Example Source |
| 1940s–1950s | Literal kitchen phrase | Homemaking magazines and cookbooks |
| 1960s–1970s | Figurative use in offices and politics | “That proposal is on the back burner until next year.” |
| 1980s–2000s | Common idiom in business and education | Found in The New York Times, academic journals |
| 2010s–Present | Widely used across all sectors | Digital media, work emails, casual speech |
Today, you’ll hear it in corporate meetings, university lectures, and even Netflix shows, often to signal pause, not abandonment.
Understanding the Core Concept: Priorities and Focus
The idea behind “on the back burner” isn’t about giving up — it’s about managing attention. In psychology, it reflects selective prioritization, a cognitive process where people consciously decide what deserves immediate focus.
For example:
- A student may put a side project on the back burner to study for finals.
- A manager might place a new campaign on the back burner during a product launch
It’s a phrase rooted in balance, not procrastination. Americans, especially professionals and students, use it to express strategic delay rather than disinterest.
“Putting something on the back burner doesn’t mean you’re ignoring it — it means you’re being intentional about what matters now.”
Literal vs. Figurative Breakdown
Let’s look closer at how the idiom functions in different contexts.
| Use Type | Context | Example Sentence |
| Literal | Cooking, food preparation | “She left the sauce on the back burner to thicken.” |
| Figurative | Work, relationships, studies | “He put his travel plans on the back burner after getting promoted.” |
Front Burner vs. Back Burner
| Expression | Meaning | When to Use It |
| On the Front Burner | Top priority, immediate attention | “My thesis is on the front burner this semester.” |
| On the Back Burner | Delayed or secondary task | “Updating my portfolio is on the back burner for now.” |
This distinction highlights how Americans visualize priority as a spectrum — with active focus in front and future focus simmering in the back.
Real-World Usage Across Contexts
In Professional Settings
In offices and corporate environments, saying a task is “on the back burner” can soften the blow of delay. It communicates strategic postponement instead of rejection.
Examples:
- “We’ve put the redesign project on the back burner until Q3.”
- “That idea isn’t dead — it’s just on the back burner for now.”
This phrasing keeps communication polite and forward-looking, useful in management, HR, and marketing.
In Academic and Educational Contexts
Teachers and students often use this idiom to describe assignments, research, or extracurricular projects awaiting attention.
Examples:
- “I had to put my club leadership plans on the back burner during exam season.”
- “The professor put that research topic on the back burner until funding comes through.”
It signals thoughtful prioritization — a skill every successful student and educator needs.
In Personal Life and Relationships
In daily life, people use it to express emotional or practical pauses.
Examples:
- “We put our wedding plans on the back burner until we’re more stable financially.”
- “I’ve put learning the guitar on the back burner since my new job started.”
Here, it often reflects maturity — knowing when to pause without quitting.
In Media, Politics, and Culture
Public figures use this idiom constantly. Politicians say it to sound diplomatic. Journalists use it to frame changing priorities.
Examples:
- “The senator admitted that healthcare reform is on the back burner for now.”
- “That storyline’s been on the back burner since the show’s second season.”
It’s become part of American journalistic rhythm — flexible, relatable, and distinctly conversational.
Common Misconceptions and Errors
Despite its popularity, the idiom is often misunderstood or misused.
Misconception 1: It Means Abandonment
Wrong.
If something is “on the back burner,” it’s not forgotten — it’s just waiting.
Misconception 2: One-Word Spelling
Incorrect: “backburner”
Correct: “back burner” (two words)
Misconception 3: It’s Informal Only
While it’s casual, it’s perfectly acceptable in emails, meetings, and academic discussions — as long as the tone fits.
| Incorrect Usage | Correct Usage |
| “We’ve canceled that project; it’s on the back burner.” | “We’ve paused that project; it’s on the back burner until next quarter.” |
| “Backburner your plans.” | “Put your plans on the back burner.” |
Synonyms, Related Idioms, and Opposites
To sound fluent, it helps to know variations and alternatives.
| Category | Phrases | Usage Example |
| Synonyms | put aside, shelve, table, defer, delay | “Let’s table this for now.” |
| Related Idioms | put on hold, in the pipeline, bide your time | “The deal’s still in the pipeline.” |
| Opposites | on the front burner, fast-tracked, top priority | “This client’s project is on the front burner.” |
Using these expressions appropriately adds nuance and helps your writing sound more natural.
Psychological and Behavioral Insights
Putting something “on the back burner” reflects how humans manage cognitive load.
When we face multiple tasks, our brains naturally prioritize. This idiom captures that process perfectly.
Why We Do It
- Reduce Stress: It prevents overwhelm by limiting focus to manageable goals.
- Improve Decision Quality: Delaying a task gives time for reflection and better choices.
- Maintain Flexibility: It keeps doors open without committing prematurely.
Potential Drawbacks
- Chronic Procrastination: Overusing the “back burner” approach can delay progress indefinitely.
- Emotional Detachment: In relationships, it may signal avoidance rather than prioritization.
“The difference between procrastination and prioritization lies in intention.”
According to research from Harvard Business Review, strategic delay — not avoidance — is one of the top habits of productive leaders.
Idiom in American English Communication
In the U.S., idioms like “on the back burner” are staples of both casual speech and workplace language.
They make conversations sound more natural and relatable.
In Business English:
“We’ve got that proposal on the back burner until next fiscal year.”
In Academic English:
“That theory was on the back burner until new data emerged.”
In Daily Speech:
“My diet’s on the back burner this month.”
These idioms reflect the American communication style — practical, adaptable, and grounded in imagery.
How to Use “On the Back Burner” Correctly
Follow these quick tips to use the idiom naturally:
Do’s
- Use it to describe temporary delay.
- Keep it conversational and positive.
- Pair it with action-oriented verbs (“put,” “keep,” “move”).
Don’ts
- Don’t use it to describe permanent cancellation.
- Avoid using “backburner” as one word.
- Don’t overuse it in formal documents.
Example Sentences:
- “We’ve put the new campaign on the back burner while revising our strategy.”
- “My side hustle is on the back burner this quarter.”
- “That initiative isn’t gone — it’s just on the back burner until we’re ready.”
Bonus: Related Idioms About Time and Priorities
Here are a few idioms that share the same theme of timing and focus:
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Put on hold | Delay temporarily | “The trip is on hold until further notice.” |
| Play it by ear | Act spontaneously | “We’ll play it by ear once we see the results.” |
| In the pipeline | Something is being developed | “New features are in the pipeline.” |
| Bide your time | Wait patiently for the right moment | “She’s biding her time before making a move.” |
Mini Quiz: Test Your Understanding
Choose the correct use of “on the back burner.”
- a) “We canceled the plan; it’s on the back burner.”
b) “We’ve paused the plan; it’s on the back burner until next quarter.” - a) “He’s cooking pasta on the back burner.”
b) “He’s backburnering the pasta.” - a) “The idea is still cooking on the back burner.”
b) “The idea was thrown off the stove.”
By understanding idioms like “on the back burner,” you gain more than language skills — you gain cultural insight into how Americans think, plan, and prioritize.
Conclusion
The idiom On the Back Burner teaches a timeless lesson about patience, balance, and smart decision-making. Whether it’s in the kitchen, at work, or in personal contexts, knowing when to pause, wait, or temporarily move aside a task can lead to stronger outcomes. This layered expression reminds us that a delay isn’t failure—it’s often a thoughtful strategy.
In a world filled with deadlines, goals, and fast-moving environments, putting things on the back burner is sometimes the most wise and relevant choice we can make. It’s about maintaining focus, finding meaning, and trusting that the food simmering—or project waiting—will turn out just right when the time comes.
FAQs
1. What does “On the Back Burner” mean?
It means putting something off for a while or giving it less attention because other things are more important at the moment.
2. Is “On the Back Burner” a positive or negative expression?
It’s generally neutral. It depends on the context—sometimes it’s wise to delay, while in other cases it might show neglect.
3. Where did the phrase “On the Back Burner” come from?
It originated from cooking, where chefs keep pots on the back of the stove to simmer slowly while focusing on other dishes.
4. How is this idiom used in everyday life?
You can use it when talking about projects, plans, or goals that are postponed temporarily due to shifting priorities.
5. Can “On the Back Burner” apply to personal growth?
Yes, sometimes we must set aside certain ambitions or routines to focus on what truly matters—creating space for better, lasting outcomes.
