Question

The project is on the back burner while we deal with more urgent issues

• A. It is the top priority
• B. It is being cooked
• C. It has been canceled
• D. It is not being actively worked on at the moment

Answer 1

Answer:

D. It is not being actively worked on at the moment

Understanding the Idiom: 'On the Back Burner'

• The idiom "on the back burner" means that a task, project, or issue is being given a lower priority or is being temporarily postponed. It implies that while it's still something that needs to be addressed, it is not being actively worked on at the moment because other, more urgent matters require immediate attention.
• The phrase originates from the practice of cooking. On a stove, the front burners are typically used for dishes that require constant attention and are cooking quickly, while the back burners are used for dishes that need to simmer slowly, are being kept warm, or are temporarily set aside while other items are being prepared.
• When a project is put "on the back burner," it signifies a strategic decision to allocate resources (time, effort, personnel) to more pressing issues first. It doesn't mean the project is cancelled, but rather its progress is paused or significantly slowed down.
• Example in context: "We've had to put our expansion plans on the back burner while we focus on improving our existing customer service."

Competitive Exam Relevance:

• Idioms and phrases like "on the back burner" are frequently tested in English Language sections of competitive exams (e.g., SSC, Banking, UPSC, CAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS).
• Questions often ask for the meaning of the idiom, its correct usage in a sentence, or to choose a synonym/antonym.
• Understanding such phrases is crucial for scoring well in reading comprehension, sentence correction, and vocabulary-based questions.
• Synonyms/Related phrases:
  • Put on hold
  • Temporarily suspended
  • Deferred
  • Postponed
  • Set aside
• Antonyms/Opposite phrases:
  • On the front burner (meaning it's a top priority)
  • Actively pursued
  • Under immediate consideration
  • In progress
• Familiarity with common idioms helps candidates understand the nuances of the English language, which is essential for both objective and descriptive tests.