buy time
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“There are clear incentives for both Tehran and Washington to buy time and see how long they can keep the peace,” she said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026
"Then you're just going to have to be as strong as you can, don't be clever, just get the ball away and buy time."
From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026
Warsh would buy time to make other changes at the Fed that he has long advocated.
From Barron's ● May 6, 2026
Such a move would buy time, but also run the risk of enraging Trump at a delicate moment in U.S.-Mexico relations.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 30, 2026
Another strategy is to buy time by saying “er...” in the hope that Hangman's concentration'll lapse and you can sneak the word out.
From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
