statute of awkwardness
noun phrase
The period during which something can be said without being awkward, and after which it cannot.
“And then he went golfing or something. He was always golfing,” finished Carol. She took a sip from her drink.
Jasper grinned. He knew a great golf joke that would fit perfectly into the conversation. He opened his mouth.
“Oh man, with my dad it was trap shooting,” said Kiaran. “He knew the owner of this place out of town and went every weekend."
“Ugh, I hate guns,” said Carol.
The conversation continued, staying far away from golf. Jasper sighed - the statute of awkwardness had expired and he’d missed his chance to tell his joke. He’d have to find some other opportunity to be clever.