lump in throat
lump in (one's) throat
A feeling that one is unable to speak due to sadness, anxiety, or another strong emotion. 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.
*lump in one's throat
the feeling of something in one's throat -- as if one were going to cry. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give one ~.) Whenever they play the national anthem, I get a lump in my throat. I have a lump in my throat because I'm frightened.
lump in (one's) throat
A feeling of constriction in the throat caused by emotion.