stalled for time

USAGE SUMMARY

"stalled for time" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to delay or procrastinate in order to gain more time. Example: The politician was caught off guard during the debate and was forced to stall for time while she tried to come up with a coherent response.

✓ 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

You stall for time.

Harvard Business Review

But stalling for time is wiser.

The Economist

Signif or stalling for time?

The Guardian

Well, you said, stalling for time.

The Guardian - Books

Stalin could then stall for time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stalled for time" when you want to convey that someone is intentionally delaying a process or decision to gain an advantage or additional time for preparation. Ensure the context clearly indicates the deliberate nature of the delay.

Common error

Avoid using "stalled for time" when the delay is due to external factors or unintentional circumstances. The phrase implies a deliberate act of postponement, not simply a situation where things are taking longer than expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stalled for time" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a deliberate action to delay or postpone something. Ludwig AI confirms this is a commonly used and correct phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stalled for time" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic phrase used to describe the act of intentionally delaying something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's well-established in written English. The phrase is versatile, appearing frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias and in Formal & Business contexts, with a neutral register making it suitable for a variety of situations. While alternatives like "played for time" or "bought time" exist, "stalled for time" clearly conveys the deliberate nature of the delay. Remember to use it accurately, ensuring the context supports the implication of intentional postponement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

played for time

Similar to "stalled for time" but suggests a more strategic and active approach to delay.

bought time

Refers to creating an opportunity to delay something, usually through specific actions. Implies a proactive effort to postpone.

temporized

To avoid making a decision or committing oneself in order to gain time.

dragged one's feet

Implies a reluctance to proceed and a deliberate slowness in taking action. Often suggests passive resistance.

delayed the inevitable

Highlights the certainty of an event, despite attempts to postpone it. Focuses on the futility of the delay.

deferred the decision

Specifically refers to postponing a decision-making process. Highlights the delay in making a choice.

procrastinated

Emphasizes the act of delaying or postponing something without a clear strategic goal. Can be due to laziness or lack of motivation.

gained a reprieve

Suggests a temporary relief or postponement, usually from something unpleasant. Emphasizes the temporary nature of the delay.

postponed action

A more formal and neutral way of saying something was delayed. Doesn't imply intent like "stalled for time".

marked time

To do something that does not make progress, often while waiting for something else to happen.

FAQs

What does "stalled for time" mean?

The phrase "stalled for time" means to deliberately delay or postpone something, often to gain an advantage, gather more information, or await a more favorable situation.

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

You can use "stalled for time" to describe someone who is intentionally delaying a process. For example: "The negotiator "played for time" by asking irrelevant questions."

What are some alternatives to "stalled for time"?

Alternatives include "played for time", "bought time", or "delayed the inevitable", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "stalled for time" formal or informal?

"Stalled for time" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in news reporting and general conversation than in highly formal academic writing.