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.

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

back burner

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The idiom "have bigger fish to fry" likely has its origins in fishing and hunting activities where individuals prioritize catching or cooking the most valuable or desirable fish or game. When used figuratively, it means that a person has more important or pressing matters to attend to than the one currently under discussion, often dismissing it as less significant.

What is the origin of the idiom "have bigger fish to fry" and when to use it?

to [have] (bigger|better|other) fish to (fry|catch)

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The exact origin of the idiom "get down to brass tacks" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-19th century. It refers to the use of brass tacks to fasten upholstery or other materials to furniture. When someone was "getting down to brass tacks," they were getting down to the essential details or fundamentals of something. It is often used to urge people to stop talking about general ideas or theories and start talking about specific plans or actions.

What is the origin of the idiom "get down to brass tacks" and when to use it?

to [get] down to brass tacks

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The idiom "back to basics" is thought to have originated in the early 20th century, when it was used to describe a movement in education that emphasized the teaching of fundamental skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic. The phrase is now used more broadly to mean a return to something simple or fundamental, after a period of complexity or innovation.

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

back to (the|) basics

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The idiom "second banana" is thought to have originated in the vaudeville era of the early 20th century. In vaudeville, the "top banana" was the lead comedian, while the "second banana" was the supporting comedian, often playing the role of the straight man. The phrase is now used more broadly to mean a person who is in a secondary or supporting role, especially to a more important or powerful person.

What is the origin of the idiom "second banana" and when to use it?

second banana

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The idiom "second fiddle" is thought to have originated in the early 1800s, likely in reference to the role of the second violin in an orchestra. The first violin is typically the lead instrument, while the second violin plays a supporting role, providing harmony and accompaniment. Over time, the phrase "second fiddle" came to be used more figuratively to mean someone who is in a secondary or supporting role, often to a more important or prominent person.

What is the origin of the idiom "second fiddle" and when to use it?

second fiddle

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The idiom "take a back seat" is thought to have originated in the mid-19th century from stagecoach travel, in reference to the seats in a stagecoach. The most desirable seats were the ones in the front, which allowed passengers to see the road ahead and have a better view of the scenery. The seats in the back were less desirable, as passengers had to endure a bumpy ride and were unable to see as well. Over time, the idiom came to be used figuratively to mean to be placed in a less important or weaker position compared to someone else.

What is the origin of the idiom "take a back seat" and when to use it?

to [take] a back seat

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The exact origin of the idiom "first things first" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-19th century. There are a few different theories about its origins, but the most likely is that it refers to the importance of prioritizing tasks and doing the most important things first.

What is the origin of the idiom "first things first" and when to use it?

first things first

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The exact origin of the idiom "top of the agenda" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. There are a few different theories about its origins, but the most likely is that it refers to the importance of tasks or items that are considered to be most urgent or important. This phrase is used to mean that something is the most important or urgent thing to do or consider. It is often used in the context of business or politics, but it can also be used in more informal settings.

What is the origin of the idiom "top of the agenda" and when to use it?

(at the|) top of the (agenda|list)

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The exact origin of the idiom "the last thing on one's mind" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 19th century. There are a few different theories about its origins, but the most likely is that it refers to something that is so unlikely or improbable that it is not even worth considering.

What is the origin of the idiom "the last thing on one's mind" and when to use it?

the last thing on {one's} mind

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The idiom "second best" originated from the notion of ranking options or choices in terms of preference or desirability. The term "second best" refers to an alternative that falls short in comparison to other options, lacking the qualities or fulfillment provided by a superior choice. It implies that while the alternative may still have some merit or value, it is not the ideal or optimal selection. In other words, this idiom is commonly used to express the idea of settling for a less desirable option when the preferred choice is unavailable or unattainable.

What is the origin of the idiom "second best" and when to use it?

second best

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The idiom "fall by the wayside" originated from the practice of traveling along a path or road. In this metaphorical sense, it refers to someone or something being left behind or abandoned during a journey or process. The phrase is used to suggest that the person or thing in question fails to keep up or maintain the same level of importance, relevance, or progress as others.

What is the origin of the idiom "fall by the wayside" and when to use it?

to [fall|drop] by the wayside

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The idiom "set great store by something" originated from the concept of valuing or placing significant importance on a particular thing or idea. The phrase "set great store by" suggests that someone holds something in high regard, considering it valuable, essential, or worthy of attention. It is used to imply a strong belief or reliance on the significance or impact of the subject in question.

What is the origin of the idiom "set great store by something" and when to use it?

to [set] great store by {sth}

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The idiom "front burner" comes from cooking, where a stove has multiple burners. The front burners are used for pots and pans that need immediate attention because they are more easily accessible and typically deal with the most urgent cooking tasks. In contrast to the back burners, which hold food that can simmer or be delayed, the front burner is associated with high priority. Metaphorically, the term "front burner" was adopted in the 20th century to describe issues, tasks, or concerns that require immediate focus and priority, similar to how the front burners are used for things that need constant monitoring.

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

front burner

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Discover how English idioms like "on the back burner" and "get down to brass tacks" relate to priority in English.

English Idioms for "Priority"