Definition & Meaning of "on the back burner"

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

The idiom "on the back burner" has its origins in cooking, where burners on a stove are used to control the heat. The front burners are typically used for cooking tasks that require immediate attention, while the back burners are used for tasks that can be simmered or kept warm but aren't a priority. In a figurative sense, placing something "on the back burner" is used to suggest that it is not a current priority and will be delayed or given less attention while more urgent matters take precedence.

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

The idiom "on the front burner" is derived from cooking, particularly from the way a stove is used. The front burners on a stove are usually reserved for cooking tasks that require immediate attention, where the heat is highest and the cook can keep a close eye on the pots and pans. When something is placed "on the front burner" in a figurative sense, it is used to means that it is a top priority, receiving active attention and effort.