The idiom “Put something on ice” refers to the act of temporarily stopping or delaying something. It is used when a decision, task, or project is paused or put off for the time being, often with the intention of addressing it later. The phrase suggests that the matter is being shelved or postponed, usually due to some circumstance that requires attention first, or simply because it is not an immediate priority.
Means to delay or pause something Indicates temporarily halting progress or action Often used in situations where a task or decision is not urgent Suggests postponing for a later time, often for convenience or to wait for better timing
Hindi Equivalent:
“किसी चीज को रोकना”
(अर्थ: किसी कार्य या प्रक्रिया को अस्थायी रूप से रोकना या स्थगित करना।)
Detailed Explanation
When you “put something on ice”, you’re essentially suspending or freezing the task, project, or decision for a while. This might happen for various reasons, like needing more information, waiting for better conditions, or simply because the matter is not pressing. The expression carries a sense of temporary inaction or suspension rather than abandonment.
For instance, if a company has a big project but decides to delay it until more resources become available, they might say, “Let’s put this project on ice for now.” The idiom implies that the project isn’t canceled or dismissed, just paused until further action is feasible.
This idiom is often used in both personal and professional contexts, ranging from delaying a decision to putting a plan on hold because of a change in priorities or circumstances.
Example Scenario:
Imagine a team is working on a marketing campaign, but due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a change in leadership or strategy, they decide to delay the campaign’s launch. They would say, “Let’s put this campaign on ice until we sort out the new direction.”
Key Takeaways:
- “Put something on ice” refers to delaying or pausing something temporarily.
- The idiom is used to express the idea of stopping or suspending a task or plan without giving up on it entirely.
- It often indicates that the situation will be revisited in the future when the timing is better or more information is available.
Origin of the Idiom:
The origin of the phrase “put something on ice” is rooted in the idea of preserving something for a later time. In earlier times, ice was used to keep things cold and preserve them for later use, much like how things are kept on hold or paused until a better time for action.
Real-World Examples:
- Workplace Example: “We’ve had to put this new product line on ice until the market recovers.”
- Personal Example: “I wanted to take that trip this summer, but I’ll have to put it on ice because of my busy schedule.”
Why It’s Important
The idiom “put something on ice” is important because it suggests that sometimes, delaying a decision or task is better than rushing into it. It allows for better preparation, more thought, and the ability to address potential challenges later. This idiom highlights the need to prioritize tasks and make smart decisions about when to act.
In professional settings, the phrase is often used to communicate that a project or decision isn’t being ignored or forgotten, but rather postponed for a better time. This can help maintain transparency and avoid any misunderstandings.
It is a useful idiom for managing expectations and setting a realistic timeframe for when things will be revisited or acted upon. It can also serve as a reminder that some actions or projects don’t always need immediate attention and can be tackled when circumstances are more favorable.
When to Use the Idiom
- When you need to pause or delay a task, decision, or plan.
- When explaining that something isn’t cancelled, but is postponed for the time being.
- In situations where you want to manage expectations without giving up on the task.
- To indicate that timing is important and needs to be reassessed later.
Real-Life Examples
In Business:
English: “Due to the current budget constraints, we’ve had to put the expansion plan on ice for now.”
Hindi: “वर्तमान बजट सीमा के कारण, हमें विस्तार योजना को अस्थायी रूप से रोकना पड़ा।”
In Personal Life:
English: “I had to put my travel plans on ice because of the new job offer.”
Hindi: “नई नौकरी के प्रस्ताव के कारण मुझे अपनी यात्रा योजनाओं को रोकना पड़ा।”
During a Team Discussion:
English: “I think we should put the proposal on ice and revisit it after we gather more data.”
Hindi: “मुझे लगता है कि हमें प्रस्ताव को रोक देना चाहिए और अधिक डेटा एकत्र करने के बाद फिर से विचार करना चाहिए।”
Psychological & Social Insight
Using this idiom can help in managing stress and uncertainty. In any scenario, whether personal or professional, situations sometimes require you to pause and wait for the right moment to proceed. This can help avoid hasty decisions and reduce the potential for errors. It also encourages individuals to take a step back and reassess before moving forward.
Psychologically, putting something on ice offers individuals a chance to reflect, to regain control, and to wait until they are better prepared or more informed. It’s a method of delayed gratification that can lead to better outcomes in the long run.
Benefits of Using This Idiom
- Prevents rushed decisions that may not be well thought out.
- Allows for better planning and preparation before moving forward.
- Helps to manage expectations by clearly stating that something is delayed, not forgotten.
- Encourages patience and strategic thinking in times of uncertainty.
Usage Tips Use this idiom when you need to clarify that something is not being ignored, but paused temporarily. It’s especially helpful in workplaces to indicate a project is being delayed, not cancelled. It’s useful when explaining to others that timing is key, and things will be revisited once the right circumstances arise. Avoid using this idiom when things are actually being cancelled; it’s about postponing, not stopping.
Similar Expressions
| English Idiom | Hindi Meaning |
|---|---|
| Put it on hold | इसे रोक देना |
| Hit the pause button | काम को अस्थायी रूप से रोक देना |
| Freeze something | किसी चीज को रोक देना |
| Put something off | किसी चीज को टाल देना |
Cultural Perspectives
Western Context:
In Western cultures, this idiom is used in business, teamwork, and personal life to indicate a temporary delay. It reflects the idea of putting things on pause while waiting for the right moment to act. It is a useful expression for managing time-sensitive tasks and deadlines.
Indian Context:
In India, where decision-making is often influenced by external factors, this idiom is commonly used in both personal and professional spheres to indicate that something is postponed due to reasons such as budget constraints, family obligations, or market conditions. It is a practical expression used to maintain balance and avoid rushing into decisions.
Global Relevance:
The concept of postponing something for a more favorable time is universal across cultures. The idiom “put something on ice” is often used when circumstances require action to be delayed, whether for personal reasons or due to larger strategic decisions.
Reflection Questions
- Can you think of a time when you had to put something on ice to give yourself more time?
- How do you decide when to pause something and when to proceed with it?
- What benefits have you experienced by delaying decisions or projects until a better time?
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