a 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 the throat
  • lump in 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
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)
Under normal circumstances we don't notice it, but if we're anxious, depressed or stressed we become obsessed with the sensation of a lump in the throat. I was stressed by taking my final exams and as it soon as they were over it completely disappeared.
Dr Miriam Stoppard's health focus