english
1
general::
noun
marine shellfish:
We dug for clams on the beach.
verb
refused to talk:
When asked about the accident he clammed up.
Simple Definitions
2
general::
In addition to the idiom beginning with CLAM, Also see HAPPY AS THE DAY IS LONG (AS A CLAM).
American Heritage Idioms
3
general::
clam up
( also shut up like a clam ) informal
to become silent suddenly, usually because you are embarrassed or nervous, or do not want to talk about a particular subject
• He just clams up if you ask him about his childhood.
Cambridge-Phrasal Verbs