clammed up (Meaning)

clammed up

to become silent

When questioned about the incident, Ethan clammed up and refused to provide any details.
The usually loquacious witness inexplicably clammed up on the stand, leaving the jury perplexed.
After the betrayal, Emily clammed up and retreated into herself, refusing to confide in anyone.
The suspect's lips clammed up shut when the police asked about his whereabouts on the night of the crime.
The politician clammed up when reporters pressed her on sensitive issues, evading their questions with vague platitudes.
The child clammed up whenever asked about the abuse he had suffered, his fear palpable.
The guilty student clammed up during the interrogation, his silence speaking volumes.
After the breakup, Sarah clammed up and avoided contact with her former partner, as if they were a complete stranger.
The doctor clammed up about the patient's condition, leaving the family in a state of anxious uncertainty.
The company clammed up when shareholders demanded an explanation for the financial losses, fostering rumors and speculation.

to become silent

held one's peace, dummied up,hushed, dried up, quieted (down), shut up, settled (down), held one's tongue, piped down, belted up

spoke, talked, spoke out, piped up,spoke up,spouted (off), sounded off, talked up

When questioned about the incident, Ethan clammed up and refused to provide any details.

The usually loquacious witness inexplicably clammed up on the stand, leaving the jury perplexed.

After the betrayal, Emily clammed up and retreated into herself, refusing to confide in anyone.

The suspect's lips clammed up shut when the police asked about his whereabouts on the night of the crime.