Phrase guide

need more time in the oven

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

Of a project or an idea, to be insufficiently polished or thought out; requiring more time to attain acceptable quality.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

Examples

  • Their draft of the new business case doesn't yet say enough about the market research they've done — it clearly needs more time in the oven.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.