gain time

buy time

To purposefully cause a delay, in order to achieve something else.

stall for time

To intentionally cause a delay; to stop; to wait.

reclaim one's time

To assert control over one's allotted time, in order to stop interrupt…

milk the clock

To use as much time as one can in order to gain a benefit.

take time out

To temporarily suspend an activity in order to do something else.

take time by the forelock

To seize an opportunity quickly before it is no longer available.