Choke up

Meaning

The idiom "choke up" means to become emotionally overwhelmed or upset, often by something unexpected or sudden. It can also mean to become anxious or nervous in a specific situation.

Usage

• Sarah was usually very calm, but the sudden realization that she had forgotten her keys made her choke up with panic.
• The news of my family member's illness caused me to choke up as I tried to hold back tears.
• As the traffic congestion worsened, I started to choke up with frustration.
• The sudden change in plans caused a stir among the group, making some of them feel like they were being choked up by the uncertainty.
• The unexpected encounter with an old friend who had been absent from his life for years made him choke up with happiness.

Roots and History

The idiom "choke up" dates back to the 18th century in English. It originally referred to the act of choking or stifling one's emotions, often by holding something in or suppressing it. Over time, the meaning has evolved to refer specifically to becoming emotionally overwhelmed or upset.

Synonyms in English

• Choke back tears
• Hold back tears
• Stifle emotions
• Suppress feelings
• Bottle up emotions

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: "estrujarse", meaning to be upset or anxious
• French: "se faire malade de l'âme", meaning to become mentally ill or depressed
• German: "gekühlt haben" meaning to calm down or take a step back emotionally
• Italian: "avere la testa fra i nuvole" meaning to be lost in thought or feeling overwhelmed
• Japanese: "心の中が濡れる", meaning to have one's emotions flood their heart.

Similar Idioms

• class act

• concern with

• come on