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.
司会者が冗談を言って間を持たせた。
The emcee told a joke to fill the awkward pause.
彼は答えに困って、咳
Stuck for an answer, he stalled by clearing his throat.