lose tongue


lose (one's) tongue

To suddenly become unable to speak, typically due to shock or confusion. Kathy was so surprised when she won the award that she lost her tongue and wasn't able to make an acceptance speech. If I had to speak in front of a crowd that big, I think I would lose my tongue.See also: lose, tongue

lose (one's) tongue

To lose the capacity to speak, as from shock.See also: lose, tongue