also: すこしまをおいて
after a while; a little while later; shortly afterward
Used as a conjunctive phrase to indicate a short pause or interval before the next action or event.
After a little while, he began to speak.
Please call again after a short interval.
Standard kanji-kana spelling.
Contracted reading ま for 間; less common.
Alternate kanji for おく; slightly more formal.
Phrase composed of 少し (a little) + 間 (interval) + を + おいて (te-form of 置く, to put/place), literally 'putting a little interval'.