Buying Time
Module: Things Money Can’t Buy
There are many things in life that money can’t buy. Many think you can’t buy health, love, happiness, or peace of mind. But when life busy or stressful we often try to “buy some time.” This doesn’t mean using money. It means finding a way to delay something. This is so we have more time to think or prepare. People use similar phrases, like “play for time,” “stall for time,” or “gain a reprieve.” These expressions remind us how valuable time is, especially when it helps us focus on the things that matter most in life.
| Module ** | Things Money Can’t Buy |
|---|---|
| Reference: | |
| Level of Difficulty: | Beginner – Intermediate |
| Level of Equivalency: | CEF A1 (IELTS 4.0) |
| Module Learning Objectives |
|---|
| Improve comprehension and understanding of common idiomatic expressions |
| Introduction and exposure to common words and expressions |
The chameleon sits in the sun,
Very still, for it mustn't run,
With a quick flip of its quick, sticky tongue,
It snags a bug, then munches for fun.
She glides all day in a leafy lair,
Changing hues and tone with wondrous flair,
Her colour may glow from green to gold,
A sight so rare, and such a marvel to behold.
Imagine you forgot about a big assignment. You ask your teacher for an extension to “buy some time.” This gives you more time to finish your assignment properly. In another situation, a parent might be caring for a sick child. They “buy some time” by taking a break from work in order to spend time with their sick child. No amount of money can replace the love and care they give to the child. The idioms “buy some time,” “stall for time,” and “play for time” all involve delaying or extending time. However, each one has a slightly different meaning, often reflected in tone, intent, and context.
Learn about how to tell the differences between them; and when best to use them.