Clam Up
- Clam Up
- How common is this idiom?: This idiom is not commonly used in modern language, and is mostly found in older texts or used by older generations.
- Literal Meaning: to close a clamshell, implying to shut something (in this case, one's mouth)
- Actual Idiomatic Meaning: to stop talking or refuse to answer questions
- The witness clammed up when the lawyer asked her about the crime scene.
- He clammed up when I asked him about his past.
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