The idiomatic expression "putting on one side" refers to the act of consciously setting aside or disregarding something, typically a thought, feeling, opinion, or argument, in order to focus or proceed with a different perspective or task. It involves a deliberate act of mentally or emotionally distancing oneself from a particular matter, temporarily or permanently, in favor of prioritizing or addressing another aspect.
When someone "puts on one side" a certain issue, they essentially place it in the background or choose not to consider it actively at that moment. This can be done for various reasons, including to avoid distraction, maintain clarity of mind, make progress in a different direction, or avoid potential conflict or negative impact.
The phrase often implies a conscious decision to reserve judgment or delay consideration of a topic or factor until a more suitable time or circumstance arises. It involves a mental compartmentalization, where one isolates a specific concern, idea, or belief to prevent it from interfering with immediate decision-making or actions.
While "putting on one side" may imply temporarily sidelining something, it can also denote a more permanent dismissal, especially when abandoning long-held opinions or biases. This expression is commonly used in discussing critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, or analysis, where individuals consciously set aside biases, emotions, or preconceived notions to achieve objective perspectives or make rational choices.
