間まを持もたせる

expression, ichidan verb

fill in time; stall for time

Used when someone deliberately fills a pause or gap in conversation, a performance, or a social situation to avoid awkward silence or to buy time.

• 司し会かい者しゃが冗じょう談だんを言いって間まを持もたせた。

  The emcee told a joke to fill the awkward pause.

• 彼かれは答こたえに困こまって、咳せき払ばらいで間まを持もたせた。

  Stuck for an answer, he stalled by clearing his throat.