'What do you mean?' she asked, stalling for time.

“你这是什么意思？”她问，故意拖延着时间。

《牛津词典》

They are stalling for time.

他们在拖延时间。

youdao

I think they are stalling for time.

我想他们正在拖时间。

youdao

The deadline will make clear whether, as some of his critics have said, Mr Assad is simply stalling for time, our correspondent adds.

BBC: Syria 'agrees' to peace plan deadline, Annan tells UN

But Iran has sent mixed signals about Moscow's proposal for a possible joint venture to enrich uranium, fueling speculation it's stalling for time.

NPR: Iran, Russia Prepare for Talks on Nuclear Fuel

In short, the government may end up stalling for time.

ECONOMIST: Charlemagne