swallow back

Frequency: 7.512.1 per million words

To suppress or hold back an emotion, a remark, or tears.

swallowVERB + ADVERB (related to throat muscle movement/emotion)

Categories:

back

Examples (10)

  • He tried to swallow back his anger, but a few angry words escaped.
  • She felt a lump in her throat and had to swallow back her tears.
  • Despite the urge to retort, he managed to swallow back his sharp reply.
  • The comedian had to swallow back a laugh at the audience's reaction.
  • She tried to swallow back the bitter words, but they were too strong.
  • He struggled to swallow back the lump of pride and apologize.
  • The news was so shocking that she could barely swallow back her gasp.
  • He wanted to shout his frustration but had to swallow back the urge.
  • She forced herself to swallow back her disappointment and focus on the task.
  • It took a great deal of effort to swallow back the sob that threatened to escape.