coyote time

Named after the animation style of Wile E. Coyote who would frequently float in air for a few seconds after running off of a cliff.

coyote time (uncountable)

1. (animation, video games) A brief delay between an action and the consequences of that action that has no physical cause and exists only for comedic or gameplay purposes.
   1. (video games, specifically) A brief period after walking off a ledge or platform during which a character is still able to jump.