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clam up

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌklæm ˈʌp/

clam up means: You suddenly stop talking, often because you feel nervous or do not want to answer.

verb

STOP TALKINGB2

You suddenly stop talking, often because you feel nervous or do not want to answer.

  • He clammed up when I asked.
  • The witness clammed up during the interview.
  • Why do you clam up around strangers?

Similar words: go quiet, fall silent

Opposites: speak up

Common phrases: clam up suddenly, clam up completely

BECOME CLAMMYC2

You become slightly wet and unpleasantly sticky, or make something feel that way.

  • My hands began to clam up.
  • The humid air clammed up his skin.
  • Her palms clammed up with sweat before the speech.

How to use it: clam something up (The damp heat clammed my skin up.)

Common phrases: clam up something, clam up with sweat

Questions about clam up

What does clam up mean?

You suddenly stop talking, often because you feel nervous or do not want to answer.

What is clam up in other languages?

Türkçe: susmak · Español: callarse · Français: se taire · Deutsch: verstummen · Italiano: ammutolire · 日本語: 黙り込む

How do you pronounce clam up?

It is pronounced /ˌklæm ˈʌp/.

How do you use clam up in a sentence?

He clammed up when I asked. The witness clammed up during the interview.

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