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

play for time

to try to obtain more time We had to play for time in the meeting because we were waiting for important papers to be delivered.

See also: play, time

play for time

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.

See also: play, time

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

play for time

To use delaying tactics; temporize.

See also: play, time

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
ElÇIn	-	Azerbaijani
Francisca	frahn-THEES-kah (Spanish), frahn-SEES-kah (Latin American Spanish), frən-SEESH-kə (Portuguese)	Spanish, Portuguese, Late Roman
Gotam	-	Indian, Hindi (Rare)
Bruna	-	Italian, Portuguese, Croatian
Anthea	[æn'ðiə]
Tiras	TIE-rəs (English)	Biblical