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

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