What is another word for lay on the shelf?
Pronunciation: [lˈe͡ɪ ɒnðə ʃˈɛlf] (IPA) 
The phrase "lay on the shelf" means to put something aside or postpone it for later. There are various synonyms you can use to replace this phrase, such as "put on hold," "set aside," "shelve," "postpone," "defer," "delay," "suspend," "abandon," "neglect," and "table." Each of these words has a slightly different connotation, but they all indicate that something is not being actively pursued or worked on at the moment. Whether it's a project at work, a personal goal, or a household chore, sometimes it's necessary to lay it on the shelf temporarily to focus on more pressing matters.
