The phrase "awkward silence" refers to an uncomfortable and prolonged period of silence between two or more people, during which no one knows how to break the silence. It can occur in various social situations such as conversations, meetings, interviews, etc., where there is a lack of communication or understanding between individuals. Awkward silences are often caused by tension, discomfort, disagreement, misunderstanding, or simply a lack of things to say. They can make people feel uneasy and uncomfortable, as they don't know how to fill the void created by the silence.