Stalling sounds

UHS

Think of the noises someone might make when hesitating or searching for the right words in conversation.

The clue "Stalling sounds" hints at the noises people make when hesitating or buying time in conversation. "Uhs" are those filler sounds—like "uh" or "um"—that slip out when someone is pausing to think. The answer is shortened to "UHS" to fit the crossword’s length, dropping the last "m" for brevity. It’s a straightforward play on how we vocalize uncertainty.