stall for time
Drag things out
To stall for time is to delay or create distractions while waiting for circumstances to change in your favor.
Someone might stall for time by asking unnecessary questions, pretending to search for documents, or dragging out small talk: Keep him on the phone—stall for time while we trace the call.
The phrase implies deliberate tactics rather than genuine slowness.
- temporizeDelay to avoid decision
- postponeDelay to later time
- deferDelay or submit
- prolongExtend in duration
- run out the clockDeliberately consume remaining time
put off · misdirect · delay · slow walk · hold off · stonewall · feint · change the subject · dawdle · tarry · equivocate · sit on · wait · hesitate · beat around the bush · filibuster · kick the can · suspend
stall for timeexpedite
Speed up a process
rush · hurry · accelerate · push forward · fast-track
stall for timetake action
Begin doing something
make a decision · pull the trigger · seize the moment · commit · bite the bullet
stall for timeget to the point
Speak directly now
come clean · lay one's cards on the table · speak plainly · confront · deal with it
stall, stalls, stalled, stalling, time, times, timed, timing, timer