Englishput something on ice
Meaning: To put something (an excess of some item) in reserve for later use.
Example: “The expansion plans have been put on ice until the economy improves.”
Origin: Rooted in a genuine practical need: before refrigeration, packing perishable food in ice was the only real way to keep it from spoiling, so putting something "on ice" meant holding it safely in reserve for later rather than losing it now. The figurative extension — postponing a plan, a project, or a decision rather than abandoning it — developed by the late 1800s, transferring the same logic of safe, temporary suspension from food storage to anything a person wanted to keep viable without acting on immediately.
More English idioms
- stick-in-the-mud Someone who is seen as never wanting to take part in fun activities.
- take a rain check To decline an invitation for now, with the idea of accepting it another time.
- take something by storm To win great success or popularity very quickly.
- take the wind out of someone's sails To deflate someone's confidence or spoil their high expectations.
- too many irons in the fire Too many activities demanding one's time.
- turn over a new leaf To change one's bad ways and begin to lead a better life.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Eres más bueno que el pan You are a genuinely good, kind soul.
- Sei in gamba You're sharp, capable, and on the ball.
- Sei un tesoro You're a darling — precious to have around.
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