BACKBURNER Meaning and
Definition
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Backburner refers to a figurative place or position where a task, project, or idea is temporarily postponed or given a lower priority compared to other more urgent or important matters. The term is derived from a practice in firefighting, where controlled burning is conducted to eliminate potential fuel sources by setting fires on the opposite side, or "back," of a main fire. In this sense, the controlled fire keeps the original fire confined and prevents it from spreading further.
In a similar vein, when something is put on the backburner, it implies that it is intentionally delayed or set aside for the time being. This can occur due to various reasons such as lack of resources, a need to focus on more pressing matters, or simply a decision to allocate time and effort to other priorities. By placing an item on the backburner, it is acknowledged that it may not receive immediate attention but will eventually be addressed.
The term finds common usage in both personal and professional contexts. For instance, in the workplace, a project may be put on the backburner if it requires further development or if more urgent projects take precedence. Similarly, in personal life, individuals may delay their own goals or aspirations due to other commitments or unforeseen circumstances. Thus, backburnering provides a way to manage tasks, allowing individuals and organizations to effectively juggle competing priorities.
Common Misspellings for BACKBURNER
- vackburner
- nackburner
- hackburner
- gackburner
- bzckburner
- bsckburner
- bwckburner
- bqckburner
- baxkburner
- bavkburner
- bafkburner
- badkburner
- bacjburner
- bacmburner
- baclburner
- bacoburner
- baciburner
- backvurner
- backnurner
- backhurner
Etymology of BACKBURNER
The word "backburner" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "back" and "burner".
The term "back" refers to the rear or the behind of something. It is used figuratively to suggest a position of lesser importance or priority. It has been used in phrases like "on the back burner" since the late 19th century to mean that something is being delayed or set aside for later consideration.
The term "burner" refers to a device on a stove that produces a flame for cooking. In metaphoric usage, something placed on the back burner is being moved to a less heated or urgent position, similar to how a pot on the back burner of a stove receives less heat and attention than one on the front burner.
The combination of "back" and "burner" to form "backburner" exists as a metaphorical expression that emerged in the mid-20th century.
Similar spelling words for BACKBURNER
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