play for time

Related to play for time: time being, run out of time, at the latest, at no time, time is ripe, stand the test of time, Until Next Time

play for time

To delay (something) or stall (someone) in order to gain more time. My computer crashed just as the meeting began, so I had to play for time while I waited for it to reboot. One of the first principles of hostage negotiation is to play for time at every opportunity.
See also: play, time
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

play for time

Fig. to stall; to act in such a way as to gain time. I'll play for time while you sneak out the window. The lawyers for the defense were playing for time while they looked for a witness.
See also: play, time
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

play for time

Use delaying tactics, temporize, as in The defense attorney decided to play for time while they searched for an eyewitness. [c. 1940]
See also: play, time
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

play for time

COMMON If you play for time, you try to delay something so that you can have more time to be ready for it. Pierce was playing for time, trying to decide if the call was genuine or not. The government is playing for time by asking for a new report.
See also: play, time
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

play for time

use specious excuses or unnecessary manoeuvres to gain time.
See also: play, time
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

play for ˈtime

try to delay something or prevent something from happening now because you think there will be an advantage to you if you act later: If I can play for time a bit longer, they might lower their price.
See also: play, time
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

play for time

To use delaying tactics; temporize.
See also: play, time
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • any time means no time
  • against time
  • against the clock
  • any time
  • (it's) time to run
  • anytime
  • (it's) time to push along
  • about time
  • (it's) (a)bout time
  • (it's) time to hit the road