stalling
word · lemma: stall
/ˈstɔɫɪŋ/
STAWL-ing
/stˈɔːlɪŋ/
STAWL-ing
Definition
Delaying or stopping progress, often on purpose to gain time, or when an engine stops working suddenly.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both formal and informal settings. Can refer to people avoiding decisions, students avoiding tasks, or mechanical engines. Typical collocations: 'he's stalling for time,' 'the car is stalling.' Not the same as 'pausing' (not always intentional or temporary).
Spanish: retrasar - hacer tiempo - calarse (motor)Portuguese (BR): enrolar - adiar - deixar morrer (motor)Portuguese (PT): enrolar - adiar - ir-se abaixo (motor)Chinese (Simplified): 拖延 - 熄火 (引擎)Chinese (Traditional): 拖延 - 熄火 (引擎)Hindi: टालना - रुक जाना (इंजन)Arabic: المماطلة - توقّف المحركBengali: সময় ক্ষেপণ করা - গতি থামানো (ইঞ্জিনের জন্য)Russian: тянуть время - затягивание - глохнуть (про двигатель)Japanese: 時間稼ぎをする - エンストするVietnamese: câu giờ - trì hoãn - chết máy (động cơ)Korean: 시간을 끌다 - 멈추다(엔진이)Turkish: oyalamak - zaman kazanmaya çalışmak - stop etme (motor için)Urdu: وقت گزارنا - گڑبڑ کرنا (انجن کے لئے)Indonesian: mengulur waktu - mesin mati (untuk mesin)
Example Sentences
Stop stalling and just tell me the truth.
natural
The boss noticed I was stalling during the meeting.
natural
My old truck keeps stalling whenever it rains.
natural
He kept stalling before answering the question.
basic
The engine is stalling every time I start the car.
basic
She is stalling to avoid finishing her homework.
basic