Stalled for time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Stalled for time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is delaying or postponing an action or decision, often to gain more time to think or prepare. Example: "When asked about the project's progress, she stalled for time, hoping to come up with a better answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

While negotiators stalled for time, a GSG 9 team was flown to Mogadishu.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You think you're entitled to do that under your theory?" The normally unflappable government lawyer stalled for time.

The New York Times

Faced with 9% across-the-board reductions, Leon Panetta, the outgoing secretary of defence, stalled for time.

The Economist

Ivan, eager to dissolve the connection between Lithuania and Crimea but not wanting to alienate Ahmed, stalled for time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We have stalled for time, and again we have failed to act because of Washington politics or industry lobby.

The Washington Post

Since then, Mr. Assad has stalled for time and agreed only a few days ago to allow Arab League monitors to visit.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The legislation--stalled for the moment--would also sanction Iran for its ballistic missile developments.

Forbes

A1 The Stalled Hunt for Bin Laden The hunt for Osama bin Laden has been strictly supervised by Pakistani officials.

The New York Times

A6 Stalled Trial for New York Sufi A Turkish court delayed a decision on charges against Aydogan Fuatart, a Muslim cleric from New York who was imprisoned for wearing clerical clothing and holding an unofficial prayer meeting in an apartment in Izmir.

The New York Times

Japan's hawkish new prime minister, Shinzo Abe, has been trying to revive the long-stalled deal at a time of increasing tensions with China that have led many Japanese to support strengthening the alliance with the United States, Japan's longtime protector.

The New York Times

Mr. Catell used the energy meeting to push for KeySpan's long-stalled proposal for a 250-megawatt power plant on Spagnoli Road in Melville.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stalled for time" when you want to convey that someone is intentionally delaying a decision or action to gain an advantage or have more time to think. It implies a temporary suspension to achieve a specific goal.

Common error

Avoid using "stalled for time" in situations where a delay is unintentional or due to unforeseen circumstances. The phrase implies a deliberate act of postponement, so using it when the delay is accidental can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stalled for time" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It's used to describe the action of intentionally delaying or postponing something, often to gain an advantage or more time to consider options. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stalled for time" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of deliberately delaying something to gain an advantage or more time. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and suitable for written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts and is best used when the delay is intentional, rather than accidental. Alternative phrases include "played for time" and "bought time", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Played for time

Implies strategic maneuvering to extend a situation.

Bought time

Implies gaining extra time to prepare.

Delayed to buy time

Indicates a deliberate postponement to gain more time.

Postponed to gain time

Emphasizes the act of rescheduling to create more time.

Procrastinated to delay

Highlights the act of delaying action with the intention of postponement.

Held off to postpone

To delay action to postpone the inevitable.

Waited to extend the period

Suggests a passive approach to prolonging a specific duration.

Hesitated to allow time

Focuses on pausing to permit the passage of time.

Marked time

Refers to minimal progress to avoid making any decisions.

Foot-dragging

Suggests resistance and slowness in acting.

FAQs

How can I use "stalled for time" in a sentence?

You can use "stalled for time" to describe someone delaying a decision or action, such as, "The negotiator "stalled for time" while waiting for further instructions."

What are some alternatives to "stalled for time"?

Alternatives include "bought time", "played for time", or "delayed to gain time", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'delayed for time' instead of "stalled for time"?

While "delayed for time" is understandable, ""stalled for time"" is the more idiomatic and commonly used expression to convey intentional postponement. 'Delayed' is more generic.

What is the difference between "stalled for time" and "bought time"?

"Stalled for time" implies creating a delay in order to allow something else to happen, whereas "bought time" suggests that time was purchased in order to do something.