stall for time
To intentionally cause a delay; to stop; to wait.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I do not know the answer, so I stall for time.”
“The student did not study for the test, so he tried to stall for time by asking the teacher many questions.”
“Realizing the negotiations were failing, the diplomat attempted to stall for time by requesting a review of the original treaty terms.”
- 01
a week is a long time in politics
In politics, much change can occur in a short space of time.
- 02
about time
Far past the desired time.
- 03
any time now
Very soon.
- 04
any time soon
soon
- 05
better luck next time
Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.
- 06
bide one's time
To wait, especially for a suitable opportunity.
- 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.
- 08
burn time
To waste time unnecessarily.
Last updated August 10, 2026