We put the new project on ice for now.
put something on ice
idiomPut a projet on hold
Origin
disputed originFrom preserving food on ice before refrigeration; figurative (postpone, keep in reserve) since the 19th century.
The manager decided to put the marketing campaign on ice until the budget for next year is approved.
The board of directors chose to put the expansion plans on ice while they waited for the economic situation to stabilize.
Last updated June 7, 2026