An indicator that someone is taking an issue very seriously. For Example: If a politician’s top priority was to remove dog waste from the parks, you could say, “wow, that guy really means business when it comes to cleaning up the parks!”

Something you hold in low priority or something that does not require immediate attention. For Example: “That project is on the back burner for now, there are other important things I need to focus on.”

This phrase is similar to the phrase “burning one’s bridges”. It means you’re cutting off ties to something that previously added value to your life. For Example: When you burn your boats, you disassociate yourself from something you once valued.

Alienating or destroying a once utilized connection. For Example: If you used to have a friend who could get you discounted electronics but are no longer friends with that person, you could say, “I burned bridges with that guy,” which indicates you destroyed or ended the relationship you once had with him.

This phrase is similar to “a line in the sand.” It means that there will be a time of reckoning. For Example: If something has been taking place which you do not condone and you intend to put a stop to it, you could say, “the buck stops here with me.”