plays for time
Stretches things out
To play for time is to deliberately delay or stall, usually to gain an advantage or avoid an unfavorable outcome.
Someone plays for time when they need more opportunity to think, prepare, or wait for circumstances to change: The negotiators played for time while reinforcements arrived.
She played for time by asking clarifying questions.
- stallsDelays or compartments
- running out the clockConsuming remaining game time strategically
- clockDevice displaying time
- foot-draggingDeliberate slowness or resistance
- dragging feetDelaying through reluctance
stonewalling · slow walking · delay · stall tactics · procrastinate · temporizing · pause · bluffing · misdirection · deflection · hedging · dithering · feigning · evasion · filibuster · sidestepping · pacing · postponement
plays for timeaccelerates
Increases in velocity
presses ahead · pushes forward · jumps the gun · rushes in · expedites
plays for timebrings to a head
Forces a decisive moment
cuts to the chase · grasps the nettle · bites the bullet · takes the bull by the horns · commits
play, plays, played, playing, player, players, playful, playfully, playfulness