How to Pronounce "put in mothballs"
expression
ˈpʊt/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈmɔθˌbɔɫz
PUT in MAWTH-bawlz
pʊt/ /ˈɪn/ /mˈɒθbɔːlz
put in MOTH-bawlz
Definition
To stop using or developing something temporarily, often with the idea of bringing it back later; literally, it means storing something to protect it, but it's commonly used for projects, plans, or activities.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈpʊt/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈmɔθˌbɔɫz
British English
pʊt/ /ˈɪn/ /mˈɒθbɔːlz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
PUT in MAWTH-bawlz
UK
put in MOTH-bawlz
Listen in Context
The company decided to put the project in mothballs until next year.
They had to put the renovation plans in mothballs for now.
The school board put the new program in mothballs because of budget cuts.
We’re not scrapping the idea—we’re just putting it in mothballs for a while.