to try to delay something so that you have more time to prepare for it.

We can't sign the agreement yet - we'll have to play for time.

• be slow off the mark
• be slow on the draw
• be slow on the uptake
• be sneezed at
• be sniffed at
• be snowed under
• be soaked to the skin
• be soft on
• be soft on someone
• be sold a pup
• be someone's cup of tea
• be someone's department
• be someone's flesh and blood
• be someone's for the asking
• be someone's main squeeze
• be someone's own flesh and blood
• be someone's pigeon
• be someone's strong point
• be someone's strong suit
• be speaking out of both sides of mouth
• be speaking out of both sides of your mouth
• be spick and span
• be spitting in the wind
• be spitting into the wind
• be spoiling for a fight