ENGLISH
REFERENCE

stall for time

idiom
Meaning

To intentionally cause a delay; to stop; to wait.


Examples
SIMPLE

I do not know the answer, so I stall for time.

CONTEXTUAL

The student did not study for the test, so he tried to stall for time by asking the teacher many questions.

COMPLEX

Realizing the negotiations were failing, the diplomat attempted to stall for time by requesting a review of the original treaty terms.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a week is a long time in politics

    In politics, much change can occur in a short space of time.

  2. 02

    about time

    Far past the desired time.

  3. 03

    any time now

    Very soon.

  4. 04

    any time soon

    soon

  5. 05

    better luck next time

    Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.

  6. 06

    bide one's time

    To wait, especially for a suitable opportunity.

  7. 07

    borrowed time

    A period of time whose precise duration is not known but which can be expected to be quite limited, and at the end of which one's situation, benefits, or opportunities will be entirely terminated.

  8. 08

    burn time

    To waste time unnecessarily.

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