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Buy Time

What Does "Buy Time" Mean?

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"Buy time" is an English idiom. It means "to delay an event or decision, usually in order to prepare or make further plans."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "buy time" used in a sentence:
  • I forgot to do the assignment, so I asked a question to buy time.
  • The company is just offering limited concessions to buy time.
  • If we can distract them, it might buy us some time to escape.
meaning for buy time

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Buy Time" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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