back-burner issue

[/bæk ˈbɜːrnər ˈɪʃuː/]
nounpl: back-burner issues
questão colocada em segundo plano
1. A problem or topic that is considered less important and is postponed or deprioritized in favor of more urgent matters
Climate change was treated as a back-burner issue by the previous administration.
As mudanças climáticas foram tratadas como uma questão colocada em segundo plano pela administração anterior.
2. Something that receives little attention or resources because other priorities take precedence
The infrastructure project became a back-burner issue once the budget cuts were announced.
O projeto de infraestrutura tornou-se uma questão relegada quando os cortes orçamentários foram anunciados.
This phrase comes from American kitchen culture where the back burners of a stove are used for simmering food slowly while front burners handle active cooking. It reflects the American work culture's emphasis on prioritization and time management. In Brazil, this concept is equally understood in business contexts, particularly in corporate and governmental settings influenced by American management practices.
NYC Slang
shelved project, low-key problem, not a hot topic
Synonyms / Sinônimos
low-priority issuepostponed mattersecondary concerndelayed problem
Antonyms / Antônimos
front-burner issuetop priorityurgent matterpressing concern

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
questão colocada em segundo plano
Most common translation in standard Brazilian Portuguese
General Brazilian
assunto deixado de lado
Alternative colloquial expression meaning 'matter set aside'
Portugal
questão remetida para segundo plano
Formal Portuguese variant using 'remetida'
General Brazilian
colocar no segundo plano
Verb form: 'to put on the back burner'

Related Words

put on the back burnersidelinedeprioritizeprocrastinate

Related Idioms & Phrases

put something on the back burner
take something off the front burner
move something to the back of the line
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