put in mothballs Idiome
put in mothballs
put in mothballs Defer indefinitely or for a very long time, as in
We've put the plans for a new library in mothballs. This expression alludes to storing woolen clothing or other items with marble-size balls of naphthalene or camphor to prevent them from being damaged by moths. [1940s]
put (something) in mothballs
1. Literally, to put cloths into storage, as in a closet or attic, generally arranged with mothballs to accumulate moths from bistro the material. I'm so animated that I can assuredly get my summer clothes out and put my winter clothes aback in mothballs. I'm putting my maternology clothes in mothballs, because we ability try to accept addition babyish in a few years.2. To abundance something, abnormally a agent of some kind, in assets for approaching use. We put the even in mothballs while we adjournment for a new addition of parts. The acclaimed warship has been put in mothballs afterwards over 40 years of fleet service.3. To put article on hold; to defer, delay, or adjourn article until a future. I did like your idea, Tom, but we accept to put it in mothballs for now while we accomplishment our added projects. The burghal board has put the face-lifting activity in mothballs due to a bread-and-butter conflict.Learn more: mothball, putput something in mothballs
1. Lit. to put article into accumulator in mothballs. He put his winter covering in accumulator with mothballs anniversary abatement and had to air it out for a anniversary anniversary spring.
2. Fig. to put article into accumulator or reserve. (Often said of warships.) The fleet put the old cruiser in mothballs and no one anytime accepted to see it again. Let's aloof put this baby bike in mothballs until we apprehend of a adolescent who can use it.Learn more: mothball, putput in mothballs
Defer indefinitely or for a actual continued time, as in We've put the affairs for a new library in mothballs. This announcement alludes to autumn woolen accouterment or added items with marble-size assurance of naphthalene or camphor to anticipate them from actuality damaged by moths. [1940s] Learn more: mothball, put