to play for time
01
to try to delay the occurrence of something so that one can prevent it from happening or have more time to properly prepare for it
![to [play] for time definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/44262/original/?type=jpeg "to [play] for time definition and meaning")
Idiom
例
He plays for time during negotiations to gather more information and assess his options.
They played for time by delaying their response, hoping for a more favorable outcome.
