To "stall for time" refers to intentionally delaying or extending a certain period in order to buy oneself or someone else additional time, often during a challenging situation or when faced with a difficult decision. This expression emphasizes the act of purposely prolonging an activity, process, or conversation to create a delay or gain more opportunity to think, strategize, or assess the situation at hand.
When someone stalls for time, they may employ various tactics aimed at creating a diversion, feigning ignorance, or extending discussions that are not directly relevant to the topic at hand. These tactics can include offering explanations, engaging in small talk, asking for repetition or further clarification, expressing the need to gather more information, or raising additional questions to distract others from the main topic. The intention behind stalling for time is typically to assess options, formulate a plan, or evaluate potential consequences before making a decision or taking action.
This expression is commonly used in situations where there is a sense of urgency or pressure, such as negotiations, critical decision-making processes, debates, or job interviews. By engaging in activities that postpone or prolong the eventual outcome, individuals and teams can gain valuable thinking time to reach more informed decisions, develop effective strategies, or devise suitable responses to challenging circumstances.
