bring a lump to (one's) throat
To cause one to feel sadness, anxiety, or another strong emotion that renders one unable to speak. Watching the casket of the fallen soldier return home brought a lump to my throat. I am excited for my daughter to start her college experience, but saying goodbye to her at the airport brought a lump to my throat. Youssef's memories of his late father still bring a lump to his throat, even after all this time.
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