godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb
take more time than expected; be delayed; take a long time
Used when a task or process takes longer than planned, often due to unexpected difficulty or inefficiency. Implies a sense of being held up or slowed down.
書類の準備に手間取って、会議に遅れてしまった。
I was delayed by the paperwork and ended up late for the meeting.
渋滞でバスが手間取っている。
The bus is being delayed by traffic.