The phrase "puts afterburners" typically refers to increasing speed or intensity. Some antonyms for this phrase may indicate reducing or slowing down, such as "eases off," "slows down," or "takes it easy." Other antonyms may suggest a lack of commitment or effort, such as "coasts," "cruises," or "takes it slow." Alternatively, antonyms could include words that suggest a lack of urgency or purpose, such as "loafs," "dawdles," or "lollygags." Whatever the specific antonym chosen, it would likely convey a sense of deliberate or passive disengagement rather than active focus and drive.