clam:

(plural: ‘clams‘; pronunciation: the letter ‘cla’ rhyme with the letters ‘cla’ in “clap”)

a clam, keeping his mouth shut

 

a person who does not move or talk freely with others;

a secretive person; a person who is tight-lipped and so does not give away any secrets;

a person who is very very careful in spending money; a stingy person

a clam, very careful with his money

e.g.

Danny is a clam; you cannot make him talk unless in simple words, like ‘yes’ or ‘no’ but not a conversation.

Anne complains that her husband is a clam when it comes to spending money, not even on a box of chocolates for the children.

More and more people all round the world are becoming real clams — not able to speak openly for fear of losing their jobs and not able to spend money freely as the world economy is in a mess.

Note: ‘Clam’ is also used as verb, usually as a verbal phrase with ‘up’, to mean ‘to keep one’s mouth shut tightly and not give away any information’, e.g. “When his wife asked him about the other woman he was having an affair with, he clammed up and said nothing.” and “The young speaker was so stunned to be in a room full of great orator that she clammed up and said nothing.”
Note: A more common meaning is a shellfish, clam — a water animal with a very soft body and lives in the protection of two shells which are closed tight most of the time.

Note: In informal usage, ‘clam’ is also used to refer to a dollar note/bill.

Return to “clam” in Animals in Language.

About the Author:BC Kumar

BC Kumar, an English Language Teacher, taught in numerous countries including Ethiopia, Oman and India, shares his knowledge and passion for the English Language. Disclaimer: This is a free educational website and all content has been compiled by the author. All copyrights to images and videos belong to their respective owners.

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