pause pause /ˈpɔz/

noun

1. () A time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something  ( break , intermission , interruption , pause , suspension )
   a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something
     She took a momentary pause before answering the question.
   She took a momentary pause before answering the question.
   
   
2. () Temporary inactivity  ( pause )
   temporary inactivity
     He took a brief pause to collect his thoughts before answering.
   He took a brief pause to collect his thoughts before answering.
   

verb

1. () Interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing  ( hesitate , pause )
   interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
    The speaker paused
   The speaker paused
   
2. () Cease an action temporarily  ( break , intermit , pause )
   cease an action temporarily
    We pause for station identification
   We pause for station identification
    Let's break for lunch
   let's break for lunch
   

 smoke screen smoke screen /smoʊk skriːn/

noun

1. An action intended to conceal, confuse or obscure  ( smoke screen , smokescreen )
   an action intended to conceal, confuse or obscure
    Requesting new powers of surveillance is just a smokescreen to hide their failures
   requesting new powers of surveillance is just a smokescreen to hide their failures
   
2. (military) screen consisting of a cloud of smoke that obscures movements  ( smoke screen , smokescreen )
   (military) screen consisting of a cloud of smoke that obscures movements
   
   

 indolence indolence /ˈɪndələns/

noun

1. () Inactivity resulting from a dislike of work  ( laziness , indolence )
   inactivity resulting from a dislike of work
   
   

 Oligocene epoch Oligocene epoch /ˌɑːlɪɡəˈsiːn ˈɛpɒk/

noun

1. From 40 million to 25 million years ago; appearance of sabertoothed cats  ( Oligocene , Oligocene epoch )
   from 40 million to 25 million years ago; appearance of sabertoothed cats