- Meaning
- This idiom means to temporarily pause or set aside a topic, task, or discussion for later, as if pinning a note to revisit. It conveys a polite or pragmatic delay, often used in professional, creative, or conversational contexts to manage time or priorities. The phrase carries a tone of organization, deference, or tact, reflecting cultural values of efficiency and the human tendency to juggle multiple issues. Its office imagery evokes a pinned memo, resonating in scenarios like meetings or brainstorming. The idiom facilitates smooth transitions, making it a practical metaphor for postponement.
- Origin
- The phrase originated in early 20th-century America, tied to office culture where pinning papers was a common way to mark tasks, and gained metaphorical use during World War II for deferred plans, as seen in military memos. Its earliest recorded use appears in *The Washington Post* (1940s), describing a paused policy. The idiom gained traction in the late 20th century, particularly in corporate and tech environments, amplified by TV shows like *The West Wing*. Its adoption across English-speaking cultures, especially in the U.S. and U.K., stems from its clear imagery and applicability to structured discussions.
- Variants
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- Put a pin in that
- Pin it for later
- Put a pin in it for now
- Examples
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- Let’s put a pin in it and revisit this idea next week.
- Put a pin in that; we’ll discuss the budget after the presentation.
- Pin it for later, she said, focusing on the urgent deadline.
- Put a pin in it for now, we’re running out of meeting time.
- They put a pin in the marketing plan to address the crisis first.
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