clam up

Meanings

• Phrasal Verb

  To remain silent, especially when expected to speak or when under pressure.

  - "The witness clammed up when questioned by the attorney."
  - "After being accused of theft, the suspect clammed up and refused to speak further."

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Pronunciation

1. 
   
   
   
   Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75944555"

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Antonyms

talk

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Synonyms

shut up

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Rhymes

Words rhyming with clam up
jam up , slam dunk , dam up , chamois , lamas , ham up , camouflage , marmoset , cram up , palm tree , psalm , calamus , palms , damsel , damask , damaging , damning , damsel in distress , calamity , palm read , palm leaf , calamondin , calamari , calamondin orange , calamondin tree , calamine lotion , calamine , calamity Jane , calamity Sue , calamus root , calamus plant , calamus reed , calamus sedge , calamus grass

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Variants

List of all variants of clam up that leads to same result
clam up , clammed up , clamming up , clams up

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Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

The origin of the phrase 'clam up' is uncertain. Some sources suggest it may come from the nautical term 'clam up' which means for a ship to come to a stop or come to rest, possibly influenced by the sound of a ship's anchor hitting the bottom. Others suggest it may come from the verb 'clam' meaning to hold close or keep secret.

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Trivia

Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

1. The phrase 'clam up' has been used in various forms of media, including movies, TV shows, and books.

2. The phrase 'clam up' has been used in various industries, including law enforcement and journalism, to describe someone who refuses to speak or cooperate.

3. The phrase 'clam up' has been used in sports to describe a team or player who fails to perform under pressure.

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Related Concepts

informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

1. Silence: The state of not speaking or making sound. Silence can be intentional or unintentional, and can convey a range of meanings, from calm reflection to secrecy or evasion.

2. Secrecy: The practice of keeping information hidden or not sharing it with others. Secrecy can be motivated by a desire to protect sensitive information, maintain privacy, or prevent harm to oneself or others.

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Culture

Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

The phrase 'clam up' has been used extensively in literature and popular culture to describe someone who refuses to speak or cooperate, often under pressure or when faced with difficult questions. It is a common idiom in the English language and is used frequently in everyday speech.

How to Memorize "clam up"

1. visualize
   

   - Imagine a clam closing its shell tightly to protect itself from the outside world. Visualize yourself doing the same thing when you need to remain silent and not reveal any information.

2. associate
   

   - Associate the phrase 'clam up' with the image of a clam closing its shell. Remember that when you 'clam up', you are protecting yourself and not revealing any information.

3. mnemonics
   

   - Create a mnemonic phrase such as 'Clams Can't Always Make Understood Promises' to help you remember the meaning of 'clam up'.

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