1 C1 idiomatic informal
To delay or postpone something threatening or unwanted through deliberate tactics
"He managed to stall off the bank's demands for repayment for another few months."
separable
stall off
C1 informal separable transitive
To delay or postpone something, especially a threat, creditor, or difficult situation, by making excuses or using diversionary tactics
In plain English
To delay or put off something you want to avoid for as long as possible
What does "stall off" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Like an engine that stalls (stops working) — bringing something to a halt and keeping it 'off'
Actually means
To delay or put off something you want to avoid for as long as possible
Usage tip
Relatively uncommon in modern usage. Often used in contexts of financial difficulty (stalling off creditors) or diplomatic delays. 'Stall' alone or 'stall for time' are more commonly used. Has a slightly old-fashioned or literary feel.
Words that pair with "stall off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
creditors bankruptcy crisis decision confrontation
How to conjugate "stall off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
stall off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stalls off
he/she/it
Past simple
stalled off
yesterday
Past participle
stalled off
have + pp
-ing form
stalling off
continuous
Hear "stall off" in the wild
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Other ways to say "stall off"
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