have a lump in (one's) throat

To have difficulty speaking as a result of feeling that one is about to cry due to an intense emotional response to something. Though I was excited for my daughter to start her college experience, I still had a lump in my throat saying goodbye to her at the airport. Youssef still has a lump in his throat when he thinks about his late father. I always have a lump in my throat when I watch their last scenes together before his death.

have a ˈlump in your throat

feel a tight feeling in your throat caused by a strong emotion: I didn’t cry but I did have a lump in my throat.