What does the idiom "have a frog in one\'s throat" mean?
Are you using the idiom have a frog in one\'s throat but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the have a frog in one\'s throat idiom and the situations in which it is used.
Meaning of "have a frog in one\'s throat"
Meaning
The idiom “have a frog in one’s throat” is used to refer to a person who has difficulty in speaking and producing clear sounds, usually due to things like a sore throat, mucus buildup, or allergies. In this context, a “frog” is meant to signify a struggle or difficulty, as it is much harder to project sound when a throat is clogged up. This idiom is also often used to express the feeling of having something stuck in one’s throat or having an odd, unidentifiable feeling in one’s throat.
Etymology
The origin of this phrase is uncertain, but it appears to have been used since at least the mid-19th century. It is first found in the writings of American author Mark Twain, who wrote in 1875 of a man “with a frog in his throat”. The phrase is likely related to the idea of a person being too choked up or emotional to speak due to a “lump in their throat”, as frogs are commonly associated with croaking or making a noise. Despite its unclear origins, the phrase has been in popular usage ever since.
Usage
Despite its literal meaning, “have a frog in one’s throat” is most often used in an informal, figurative way to express the feeling of having something stuck in one’s throat or having a difficult time speaking. It can be used to describe one’s own current feeling or another person’s feeling. It is also often used in the negative form, “don’t have a frog in one’s throat”, to express the idea of needing to speak clearly, usually in a voice that carries, like during a performance or a speech.
Example Sentences
- The singer had a frog in his throat during the show, but he still managed to finish the song.
- I had a frog in my throat when I was trying to give my speech, but I managed to push through it.
- The actor had to pretend not to have a frog in his throat in order to sound believable in his
The Surprising Origins of Everyday English Idioms
Many English idioms have surprisingly dark origins, often rooted in violence, death, and superstition. For instance, the phrase "raining cats and dogs" is said to have originated in the 17th century, when heavy rain would often cause dead animals to wash up on the streets. Meanwhile, the idiom "rule of thumb" is believed to have originated from a law that allowed men to beat their wives with a stick no thicker than their thumb.
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