Put (one) on the shelf verb phrase
To cause someone unable or unavailable to do something
They put our plan on the shelf because they do not have enough money.
I cannot play soccer with my friends this weekend because my left foot was injured.
To delay taking action to solve something
1. To stretch or lengthen something, usually a string or cord of some type
2. To extend, postpone, or make longer than it usually would
1. To stop, delay or diminish something
2. To ignore or end social contact with someone; to separate someone from others
To delay or postpone something that is predicted to be unpleasant, difficult or annoying for as long as possible
The verb "put" should be conjugated according to its tense.
To quit; to give up, stop doing something because you know that you cannot succeed; admit defeat
The team is not going to throw in the towel just because they lost one game.