play for time/buy time

[phorntita]

I wonder whether this idiom " play for time" has a close meaning to another one "buy time". And what about this sentence! The republic's government is playing for time by asking for clarification of the nature of the economic sanctions. Does it mean "buy time" here? Any idea,please

[bhaisahab]

I wonder whether this idiom " play for time" has a close meaning to another one "buy time". And what about this sentence! The republic's government is playing for time by asking for clarification of the nature of the economic sanctions. Does it mean "buy time" here? Any idea,please

Yes, they can mean the same and in your example they do.