Phrasal Verb: Clam up
English Meaning: Refuse to speak
Hindi Meaning: चुप रहना
The phrasal verb “clam up” is used when someone suddenly becomes quiet or refuses to speak, especially when they are nervous, scared, or unwilling to talk about something.
What Does “Clam up” Mean?
“Clam up” means:
- To stop speaking suddenly or refuse to talk, often because of fear, embarrassment, or pressure.
In Hindi, this translates to “चुप रहना” or “चुपचाप हो जाना”, implying a sudden silence, usually in response to an uncomfortable situation.
For example:
- “He clammed up when the teacher asked about the missing homework.”
= जब शिक्षक ने गायब होमवर्क के बारे में पूछा तो वह चुप हो गया।
How to Use “Clam up” in Sentences
Example 1: She clammed up during the interview.
Hindi: वह इंटरव्यू के दौरान चुप हो गई।
Example 2: Don’t clam up now, we need to know the truth.
Hindi: अब चुप मत रहो, हमें सच्चाई जाननी है।
Example 3: He always clams up when I ask about his past.
Hindi: जब भी मैं उसके अतीत के बारे में पूछता हूँ, वह हमेशा चुप हो जाता है।
Example 4: The child clammed up in front of strangers.
Hindi: बच्चा अजनबियों के सामने चुप हो गया।
Example 5: When the police arrived, he clammed up.
Hindi: जब पुलिस आई, तो वह चुप हो गया।
Common Mistakes When Using “Clam up”
Incorrect: He clammed the answer up.
Correct: He clammed up when asked the answer.
Incorrect: She clams up the truth. Correct: She clams up when asked about the truth.
Questions for Test
- What does “clam up” mean in simple English?
- Translate: “The witness clammed up in court.”
- Use “clam up” in a sentence where someone avoids speaking about an incident.
- What is the Hindi translation of “clam up”?
- Can “clam up” be used in professional communication?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is “clam up” formal or informal?
It is informal, commonly used in spoken English.
Can “clam up” be used for text or written silence?
No, it’s used for people not speaking verbally, not for written silence.
What’s the origin of “clam up”?
It comes from the behavior of a clam (a sea animal) that quickly shuts its shell—just like a person who suddenly shuts down and won’t talk.
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