Clam up

Meaning

The idiom "clam up" means to become quiet or close-mouthed, often suddenly or under pressure. It can also mean to refuse to speak or divulge information. The figurative meaning is often used to describe someone who is being uncooperative or evasive.

Usage

• When she found out that her boss had been lying to her, she clammed up and refused to speak to him for the rest of the day.
• During the interrogation, the suspect clamed up and refused to answer any questions.
• After being confronted with the evidence, the witness finally clamed up and admitted to the crime.
• The politician clamed up during the debate when asked about his controversial statements.
• When the victim of bullying spoke out, her classmates clammed up and refused to listen. The usage of "clam up" can vary depending on the context. It can be used to describe someone who is being uncooperative or evasive, but it can also be used in a more general sense to describe someone who is quiet or closed-mouthed.

Roots and History

The exact origin of "clam up" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the idea of clams shutting up when they are threatened or under pressure. It has been used in English since at least the 19th century, and its meaning has remained relatively consistent over time. There are no known regional variations of "clam up."

Synonyms in English

• Shut up
• Be quiet
• Keep your mouth shut
• Closed-mouthed
• Refuse to speak

Synonyms in other languages

• French: Fermer la bouche (to close the mouth)
• Spanish: Cerrar la boca (to close the mouth)
• German: Schließen die Mund (to close the mouth)
• Italian: Chiudere la bocca (to close the mouth)
• Arabic: تحريق اللسمة (to close the mouth)

Similar Idioms

• jump on the bandwagon

• chattering classes

• cast aspersions