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

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

From BBC

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

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

"I was put into mediation twice, once on fairly minor grounds and secondly with Lucy Letby herself and it seems to be a way of delaying action and investigating those concerns," he said.

From BBC