# put something on ice

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-something-on-ice
Updated: 2026-06-07

## Meaning

Put a projet on hold

## Examples

- We put the new project on ice for now.
- 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.

## Origin

From preserving food on ice before refrigeration; figurative (postpone, keep in reserve) since the 19th century. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.