clam up
The phrase "clam up" is commonly used in informal contexts to describe a sudden or deliberate silence, often due to nervousness or reluctance.
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Definition
B2Informal Communication
(informal)To suddenly stop talking or refuse to speak, often because of nervousness or fear.
Example
- He clammed up when the teacher asked him about his homework.
- Whenever she feels anxious, she tends to clam up and avoid eye contact.
B2Social Interaction
(informal)To become silent and uncommunicative, often due to reluctance or embarrassment.
Example
- During the interview, he clammed up and couldn't answer the questions.
- She clammed up when the topic of her ex-boyfriend came up.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "clam up":
keep quiethush upchoke upcork upput up the shutterspipe downseize uphole upshit upshut inpipe up