front burner, on a

on the front burner

Of a high priority; given more or a lot of thought or attention. The landlords are coming to inspect the property next week, so cleaning needs to be on the front burner! Now that I'm finished with work for the summer, I can put my thesis on the front burner again.See also: burner, front, on

front burner, on a

Also, on the front burner. A position of relatively great importance or high priority. For example, The boss said this project is now on a front burner. This expression alludes to a cook's putting the items requiring the most attention at the front of the stove. [1960s] Also see back burner. See also: front, on