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.

a lump in your throat

COMMON If you have a lump in your throat, you feel as though you might cry. Meg felt a lump in her throat. She was going to miss Dot. Note: You can also say that something brings a lump to your throat. It brings a lump to my throat. We are so proud of her. Compare with a frog in your throat.