Clam up
/klæm ʌp/B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To suddenly stop talking, usually because of discomfort or unwillingness to speak.
- Whenever the teacher asked him a question, he would clam up and look down at his desk.
- During the interview, she clammed up when asked about her previous job.
- He tends to clam up when he's around strangers.
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