clam up

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of clam up Although regulations may usher in more urgency for sustainable action, the laws rolling out around transparent claims could lead to companies clamming up about their initiatives to avoid potential greenwashing penalties. Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019 While Lydia wallows in the residual pain, Paul has clammed up. Judy Berman, TIME, 12 Dec. 2024 Judges struggle to name favorite cheese Ask a judge to pick their favorite and most will clam up, dodge the question or offer a long, unranked list. Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 One social worker said that a girl clammed up in a recent interview that her mother was invited to. Scooty Nickerson, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2024 City clams up over chance of lawsuit Antoine Bryant, director of planning and development, apologized to City Council members for soliciting the contract to pay for the murals using city money without the nine-member body's approval, which is required. Detroit Free Press, 25 Jan. 2024 With less contact between the user's hand and the electronics, plus more airflow, users may find their hands clamming up less easily during long hours of intense use. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 2 Feb. 2023 Jim Harbaugh will coach not to lose and clam up just enough to let Ohio State’s amazing skill talent pull the upset late. J. Brady McCollough, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2023 When pandemic lockdowns clammed up her restaurant clientele, Ms. Brown began selling her oysters from her flatbed truck near her farm in Little Bay, New Hampshire. Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Sep. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clam up
Verb
  • In that meeting, Trump and Macron embraced and shook hands for about 17 seconds and once again engaged in a handshake and hushed whispers that sparked public conversation.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
  • While brands cite rising ingredient costs, sustainability efforts, and product shelf-life concerns, these explanations may not be enough to hush growing skepticism.
    Tiana Randall, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • If that income stream dries up, whether due to job loss, market shifts, or economic downturns, you’re left scrambling.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Relatedly, support for elections—a key hallmark of democratic processes—has dried up as well, shrinking by eight percentage points across 30 nations during the same time period.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Get up to 30 plus goals and 82 plus points to kind of shut up the critics a little bit.
    Scott Powers, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
  • In contrast to contemporaries like Ben Jonson—who told his audiences, basically, Sit down, shut up, and enjoy the glory of my words—Shakespeare repeatedly went out of his way to ask audiences to be active participants in the creation of his plays.
    Jeffrey R. Wilson, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clam up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clam%20up. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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