This idiom describes postponing or deprioritizing a task, project, or issue, as if placing a pot on a stove’s back burner to simmer unattended. It conveys delay or neglect, often used in professional, personal, or organizational contexts to depict sidelined matters. The phrase carries a tone of pragmatism, resignation, or avoidance, reflecting cultural values of prioritization and the human tendency to defer. Its kitchen imagery evokes a low-priority simmer, resonating in scenarios like delayed plans or ignored issues. The idiom highlights deferral, making it a practical metaphor for setting aside.

The phrase originated in early 20th-century America, tied to kitchen stoves with back burners for less urgent cooking, as noted in household manuals. Its earliest recorded use appears in *The Washington Post* (1930s), describing delayed policies. The idiom gained traction in the mid-20th century, amplified by corporate culture and media, notably in *Forbes* for business priorities. Its adoption, especially in the U.S. and U.K., stems from its clear imagery and relevance to time management, with growing use in Australia and Canada.