lump in (one's) 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.
See also: lump, throat
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

*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.
See also: lump, throat
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

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.

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.
See also: lump, throat
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

lump in (one's) throat

A feeling of constriction in the throat caused by emotion.
See also: lump, throat
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • lump in one's throat
  • lump in the throat
  • lump in throat
  • a lump in the throat
  • a lump in your throat
  • lump to (one's) throat
  • bring a lump to (one's) throat
  • pierce (one's) heart
  • pierce someone's heart
  • pierced