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To put something on the back burner means to postpone doing or discussing something, most of the times because it?s not a priority or time-sensitive. The expression is often used in office settings, hence the reason it might sneak into non-technical IT interview questions. However, this saying is inspired from cooking and was first heard in the ?40s.
?Put on the Back Burner? Origins & Meaning
The expression comes from a cook?s habit to place the pots that do not require constant supervision or immediate attention on the back burners of the stove. When not used in a kitchen, however, it implies postponing, not canceling a plan, meeting, or discussion.
?Put on the Back Burner? Synonyms & Similar Expressions
- Postpone;
- Extend;
- Delay;
- Put on hold;
- Put aside;
- Take a rain check.
?Put on the Back Burner? in a Sentence
?Let?s put the expense reports on the back burner until this whole server this is fixed.?
?The Council put the plans to build a park in my area on the back burner.?
For more non-technical questions you might encounter while searching a job in IT, you can visit our articles on where the expression ?tip of the iceberg? originated from and what?s the story behind the ?chip on shoulder? saying.
