buy some time
Create a buffer
To buy some time is to create a delay, gaining a temporary reprieve before something must be faced or decided.
The phrase implies the delay is strategic rather than permanent: We need to buy some time while we figure out our next move.
You might buy time by stalling, making excuses, or taking interim measures that postpone the inevitable.
- stallingIntentional delay tactics
- deferDelay or submit
- temporizeDelay to avoid decision
- postponeDelay to later time
- delayEnforced waiting period
drag your feet · slow walk · prolong · maneuver · breather · adjourn · take a rain check · pause · prevaricate · run out the clock · procrastinate · strategy · linger · wait it out · extend · dawdle · negotiate · reschedule
action decisiveness
buy some timeact now
Urgent call to proceed
strike while the iron is hot · seize the moment · pull the trigger · jump the gun · bite the bullet
problem-solving approach
buy some timenip it in the bud