back burner (noun)

1. Even though he loves drawing cartoons, he has put his cartooning project on the back burner because he needs to focus on his studies.

2. Her dream of becoming a professional painter had to be put on the back burner as she prioritized her family's financial needs.

3. I had planned to tell a joke at the party, but when I saw the serious atmosphere, I decided to put it on the back burner.

4. Writing a fantasy novel was always her dream, but with her busy schedule, it had to be put on the back burner for now.