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clam up

Meaning: To not say anything.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Category: Animals

Origin: The expression suggests that one keeps one's mouth as tightly closed as a clamshell.

More idioms — Animals

  • cock-and-bull story — A story that is too unlikely to be believed.
  • cook someone's goose — To ruin someone's plans.
  • crocodile tears — False, exaggerated tears.
  • cry wolf — To raise a false alarm or exaggerate so often that one is no longer believed.
  • dark horse — A competitor who is little-known by most people but who is expected to win by someone mor…
  • dog-eared — Well-worn.

More English idioms

  • dog-eat-dog — Ruthless, competitive, and fast-paced.
  • dog days of summer — Very hot days.
  • eat crow pie — To humble oneself because one has been proved wrong.
  • fat cat — A rich but usually lazy person.
  • fine kettle of fish — A terrible mess.
  • fly-by-night — Undependable; untrustworthy.

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