buy time

Idioms  

1. Increase the time available for a specific purpose. For example, Renting an apartment buys them time to look around for a new house.

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Example Sentences

He was grateful that Issa’s Alamo stand had bought time to prepare a defense.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even then, analysts say the SPR would function mainly as a bridge, buying time while policymakers try to restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

From Barron's

A Section 201 tariff is intended to buy time while the U.S. industry adjusts.

From The Wall Street Journal

Pezeshkian's apology leaves room for several interpretations: a genuine attempt to calm regional tensions, a tactical move to buy time for Iran's interim leadership, or the opening signal of a political repositioning inside Tehran itself.

From BBC

Air defense is meant to buy time for offensive operations that neutralize enemy launch capabilities, said Colby Badhwar, a Canadian security analyst.

From The Wall Street Journal