Definition & Meaning of "back burner"in English

What is the origin of the idiom "back burner" and when to use it?

The idiom "back burner" originates from cooking, where a stove has multiple burners used for different purposes. The front burners are typically used for food that requires immediate attention, while the back burners hold pots and pans that can simmer or be dealt with later. This concept was later applied metaphorically to tasks, projects, or issues that are postponed or given lower priority while more urgent matters come first. The phrase became commonly used in the mid-20th century to describe situations in which something is set aside temporarily but not entirely forgotten.