buy time

The phrase "buy time" refers to the act of creating or gaining extra time to achieve a particular task, goal, or objective. It can involve several strategies or actions that help avoid or delay an impending deadline or difficult situation. This phrase is often employed when someone is in a time-sensitive situation and needs to find a way to postpone or extend the allotted time frame to deal with the situation more effectively. It can involve implementing short-term solutions or distractions to create a temporary delay in order to reassess the situation, gather more information, or come up with a better plan.