delaying action

American  

noun

Military.

1. a maneuver in which a defensive force delays the advance of a superior enemy force by withdrawing while inflicting the maximum destruction possible without engaging in decisive combat.

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delaying action British  

noun

1. a measure or measures taken to gain time, as when weaker military forces harass the advance of a superior enemy without coming to a pitched battle

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Example Sentences

"This bill will save lives and delaying action is a betrayal of those who need our protection the most," she said.

From BBC

However, Baroness Owen criticised ministers for "delaying action", saying this was "a betrayal of those who need our protection the most".

From BBC

The walkouts lasted weeks, delaying action on hundreds of bills.

From New York Times

The agency categorized reports alleging significant health and safety risks to a disabled elder as a low priority level for review, thus delaying action, and also didn’t act quick enough to protect a vulnerable adult, the report said.

From Seattle Times

In a world filled with sub-global groups, cultural evolution among these groups will tend to solve the wrong problems, benefitting the interests of nations and corporations and delaying action on shared priorities.

From Science Daily