Put something on ice

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase Put something on ice, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression Put something on ice used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "Put something on ice"

Meaning

To "put something on ice" means to postpone or temporarily suspend something. The implication is that the thing put on ice will be resumed once the scheduling or situation allows for it.

Etymology

This phrase comes from the practice of storing perishable food items in a refrigerator or cooler with ice, for preservation and later use. During the 1970s, it was used as a slang expression to mean postponing or shelving a plan or project.

Usage

The phrase "put something on ice" is typically used to express a decision to delay or suspend an activity or plan. It is also used to refer to a situation that has been temporarily suspended, or a problem that has been postponed until a better time. It can also mean to disregard or ignore a topic or issue.

Example Sentences

• We've decided to put the project on ice for the time being.
• Let's put that argument on ice until we can discuss it calmly.
• The decision has been made to put the issue on ice until a later date.
• John put his worries on ice and decided to enjoy the weekend.

The Surprising Origins of Everyday English Idioms

Many English idioms have surprisingly dark origins, often rooted in violence, death, and superstition. For instance, the phrase "raining cats and dogs" is said to have originated in the 17th century, when heavy rain would often cause dead animals to wash up on the streets. Meanwhile, the idiom "rule of thumb" is believed to have originated from a law that allowed men to beat their wives with a stick no thicker than their thumb.