clear your throat

clear (one's) throat

1. Literally, to cough or make a guttural sound in an attempt to relieve a blockage in the throat, as is often caused by phlegm. I'm worried that I'm getting sick because I've had to clear my throat constantly all day long.
2. To make a coughing sound in order to attract attention. When the boss cleared her throat, we immediately stopped talking so that she could start the meeting.
See also: clear, throat
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

clear your ˈthroat

cough slightly, especially before speaking or to attract somebody’s attention: The lawyer stood up, cleared his throat and began to address the jury.
See also: clear, throat
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • be at a disadvantage
  • at a disadvantage
  • address (one's) comments to (someone or something)
  • address comments or remarks to
  • address (one's) remarks to (someone or something)
  • be in it for
  • be more than (something)
  • be more than glad, ready, etc.
  • away from it all
  • be out of (one's) head
References in periodicals archive
Sometimes a tic can cause you to repeatedly clear your throat, click your tongue, or make a certain noise, such as a grunt or a moan.
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NEXT time anyone tells you Everton are 'the Premier League's draw specialists', clear your throat and announce the following...
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Come and I will clear your throat of lilacs, tease loose the knots of a
Allergy Song
If you've been living under a rock, just clear your throat and give their head-nodding single "I'd Rather" a spin to see what (or who) is going down.
Moment of clarity: the southern situation
His peculiar gruff tone almost makes you want to clear your throat when he goes for a high note, but it doesn't spoil the show.
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a) get psyched, clear your throat and make like Mary J.
Are you up for a challenge? How go-for-it are you when it comes to trying new, exciting and challenging activities this summer? Take this quiz and find out!
It manifests itself as catarrh or by making you have to clear your throat continuously.
Take it slowly for best effects
A sign outside the hall advises singers and speakers to 'check your flies and clear your throat'.
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A humorist can get away with not being funny (after all, he's not a comedian) if he gives you pause or makes you clear your throat in a meaningful way.
There's Nothing in the Middle of the Road but Yellow Stripes and Dead Armadillos
IRISH people love a sing song and Christmas is one of the best times of the year to clear your throat and rattle out a tune at a party.
Pogues tune a Fairytale for singers; MUSIC
Clear your throat once for A, twice for B and three times for C during next Monday's multiple-choice test, got it?"
Make it last ... or break up fast?
CLEAR your throats and stand by your beds - Peter Odemwingie might yet have a part to play this season.
Odemwingie on standby for Baggies; TEAM TALK
So clear your throats and shout it out loud, urge the lads on to history.
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