話はなしの穂ほを継つぐ

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.

• 彼かれが話はなしの穂ほを継ついで、会かい話わがまた弾はずんだ。

  He picked up the thread of the story, and the conversation became lively again.

• 沈ちん黙もくを破やぶるように、誰だれかが話はなしの穂ほを継ついだ。

  Someone resumed the conversation, as if to break the silence.