Buy time Meaning in English
expression
ˈbaɪ/ /ˈtaɪm
BY TYM
bˈaɪ/ /tˈaɪm
BY TYM
Definición
To deliberately delay or create extra time before something happens, often to prepare better or avoid a problem.
Uso & Matices
Informal idiomatic expression. Often used when someone stalls for more time ('ask questions to buy time'). Not about actual money; it's figurative. Don't confuse with literal purchases.
Spanish: ganar tiempoPortuguese (BR): ganhar tempoPortuguese (PT): ganhar tempoChinese (Simplified): 争取时间Chinese (Traditional): 爭取時間Hindi: समय खरीदना (fig.) - समय लेनाArabic: كسب الوقتBengali: সময় কেনা - সময় নেওয়া (অজুহাতে)Russian: тянуть время - выиграть времяJapanese: 時間を稼ぐVietnamese: câu giờ - kéo dài thời gianKorean: 시간을 벌다Turkish: zaman kazanmakUrdu: وقت خریدناIndonesian: mengulur waktu - membeli waktu
Oraciones de Ejemplo
He asked many questions to buy time before answering.
basic
She pretended to look for the file to buy time.
basic
The team called a timeout to buy time and make a plan.
basic
Can you stall the meeting for a bit to buy time?
natural
I tried to buy time by changing the subject.
natural
They're just making small talk to buy time until the boss gets here.
natural