lump in one's throat

lump in (one's) throat

An intense emotional reaction resulting in a sensation of tightness in the throat, as often precedes crying. I had a lump in my throat as I watched the casket of the fallen soldier return home. When Bob stood up to thank everyone at his retirement party, he got a lump in his throat and just had to nod and smile as he teared up.

See also: lump, throat

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

lump in one's throat

A feeling of constriction in the throat caused by emotion, as in The bride's mother had a lump in her throat. This expression likens the sense of a physical swelling to the tight sensation caused by strong feelings. [Mid-1800s]

See also: lump, throat

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.