lump in the throat

lump in the throat

A feeling that one is unable to speak due to sadness, anxiety, or another strong emotion. I had a lump in the 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 the throat, only able to nod and smile as he began tearing up.
See also: lump, throat
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a lump in the throat

a feeling of tightness or dryness in the throat caused by strong emotion, especially grief.
See also: lump, throat
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • lump in (one's) throat
  • lump in one's 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
References in classic literature
He cleared the hilt of his cutlass and loosened the blade in the sheath; and all the time we were waiting there he kept swallowing as if he felt what we used to call a lump in the throat.
Treasure Island
Under normal circumstances we don't notice it, but if we're anxious, depressed or stressed out we become obsessed with the sensation of a lump in the throat.
Ask Dr Miriam
A 'LUMP in the throat' had a more sinister meaning for Becky Saxon when she discovered she had cancer.
Cancer survivor out to inspire others
'Watching her say her Rainbow promise was another one of those lump in the throat moments that just don't seem to stop coming'
PARENT TRAP: A few tears for my Guiding light
If the opening edition of this drama caused a lump in the throat, you'll no doubt be weeping uncontrollably at its conclusion.
Today's: drama; Tsunami, the Aftermath (BBC2, 9pm)
And there may be times when we can put a lump in the throat, causing our growers to pause and to put into perspective the things that really do matter.
Farming the farm program: issues facing producers and farm broadcasters. (Farm Broadcast Update)