Etymology Journal · L
Let's put a pin in it
Meaning
- This means to pause a discussion or set an idea aside for later consideration. It is a polite way to stop a tangent without killing the conversation entirely.
Professional, diplomatic
Used in a sentence
- That is a great point, but let us put a pin in it until we finish the current budget review.
- Let us put a pin in the vacation planning so we can focus on this kitchen renovation first.
- We should put a pin in that topic for the next meeting when everyone has more time.
The backstory
The phrase likely originates from the practice of physically pinning a note or a reference card onto a board for future review. Its exact origin remains a bit of a mystery, but it gained significant traction in corporate settings during the late 20th century.
Heard in
Nationwide
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