There are several synonyms for the phrase "buy time," including delay, stall, procrastinate, put off, or postpone. These expressions all refer to the act of prolonging or deferring an action or decision. Sometimes, buying time may be a strategic move to allow for further consideration or preparation, while other times it may be a way to avoid facing a difficult situation or making a tough decision. Regardless of the reason, there are many ways to express the idea of delaying or extending a task or problem. Using different synonyms can help to keep writing varied and interesting, and may also offer nuance or emphasis to the particular situation or context.