diff --git a/kiln-core/src/script.rs b/kiln-core/src/script.rs
index 1b4ff6e..87d4454 100644
--- a/kiln-core/src/script.rs
+++ b/kiln-core/src/script.rs
@@ -464,6 +464,15 @@ fn register_write_api(engine: &mut Engine, queues: &QueueMap) {
         }
     });
 
+    // delay(secs): insert an explicit pause into the queue, merged with any trailing Delay.
+    let q = queues.clone();
+    engine.register_fn("delay", move |ctx: NativeCallContext, secs: f64| {
+        let src = source_of(&ctx);
+        if let Some(queue) = q.borrow().get(&src) {
+            push_delay(queue, secs.max(0.0));
+        }
+    });
+
     // now(): pop the back of the queue and push it to the front.
     // Use after a zero-cost action (say, log) to bypass any pending Delay.
     let q = queues.clone();