buy time

phrase

: to delay an imminent action or decision : stall

Examples of buy time in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At other times, Manning has shown the ability to move around well in the pocket to buy time, or just run for positive yards. — Mac Engel october 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2026 But none of these workers can shorten a licensing timeline, self-fund a year without pay, or buy time on a fabrication line. — Eric Kutcher, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026 The releases buy time, but mean inventories are being consumed rather than rebuilt, making restocking a longer-term source of demand. — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 Aided by both banks’ employees buying time, citizens had taken guns and ammunition from the hardware store. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for buy time

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of buy time was in 1832

Rhymes for buy time

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Browse Nearby Words

Buys Ballot's law
buy time
buy up
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Buy time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buy%20time. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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