delaying tactic

English

Alternative forms

• delay tactic (chiefly US)

Noun

delaying tactic (plural delaying tactics)

1. Something that is done in order to put off a decision or action until later.
   • 2023 November 29, “Network News: Network Rail considers track rehabilitation plans on March-Wisbech line”, in RAIL, number 997, page 20:

     Many consider that the preparation of a vaguely labelled 'Strategic Option Appraisal Report' is simply another delaying tactic.

See also

• foot-dragging
• milk the clock
• run out the clock
• play for time
• stall

References

• “delaying tactic”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.
• “delaying tactic”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.
• “delaying tactic” in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, Longman.
• “delaying tactics” (US) / “delaying tactics” (UK) in Macmillan English Dictionary.
• “delaying tactics”, in Cambridge English Dictionary, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: Cambridge University Press, 1999–present.