expression, godan verb (-gu)
pick up the thread of a story; resume a conversation
Idiomatic expression meaning to continue a conversation or story that has been interrupted, often by adding a related remark or question. The image is of joining the 'ear' (穂) of a story, i.e., its continuation.
彼が話の穂を継いで、会話がまた弾んだ。
He picked up the thread of the story, and the conversation became lively again.
沈黙を破
Someone resumed the conversation, as if to break the silence.