# stall for time

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/stall-for-time
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.