Definition of Front Burner

What does the term "front burner" mean? What is meant by the term "front burner"?

Let's say that we have a prominent politician who says:

"The issue of military spending is on the front burner right now."

What exactly does this mean?

Putting something on the "front burner" means that it must be dealt with IMMEDIATELY. Something that is placed on the front burner must be dealt with immediately.

So, in the case of the quote listed above, the politician is saying that the issue of military spending must be dealt with immediately. The reason why he would say something like this is because he believes that the issue is of the utmost importance, and that dealing with the issue can't be delayed.

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