surf clam

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noun

any of several typically large common clams of the family Mactridae, inhabiting the zone of breaking surf in coastal waters.

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Origin of surf clam

1880–90; Americanism

“I saw the moment when they looked down and saw this old couple having sex in the surf,” says Carlucci.
Anatomy of a Drone Porn: ‘Drone Boning’ Makes Sex Look Like Art|Aurora Snow|November 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
You see this a lot when individuals who are accused of something decide to clam up, often under the advice of their attorney.
Untruth and Consequences in Ferguson|Matt Lewis|October 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Others plan where to paddle into the surf off Black's Beach to catch a wave when the big breakers start rolling in.
Finding Food Heaven on the Cali Coast|Jane & Michael Stern|August 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Perhaps thanks to the surf and turf and the stellar Bordeaux and Sauvignon Blanc, there were no lost tempers.
Up To A Point: My Problem With People Who Agree With Me|P. J. O’Rourke|July 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Even "Surf Wax America," a seemingly innocuous homage to The Beach Boys' early hits, morphed into a meditation on drowning.
Remembering Weezer’s ‘The Blue Album,’ A Garage Rock Classic, on Its 20th Anniversary|Andrew Romano|May 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He is tied to a pole, carried out in the evening and dropped upon the beach, where it is just possible the surf may bear him away.
Journal of a Voyage to Brazil|Maria Graham
Under favourable conditions as many as four or five of these successive diminishing surf lines may be seen.
Outlines of the Earth's History|Nathaniel Southgate Shaler
The recovery of the oyster, clam and other edible shell-fish is also a feature of the work which the Lake Company has in view.
The Wonder Book of Knowledge|Various
They cannot, like the noble lifeboats, dash right into the caldron of surf, and dare the sands and seas to do their worst!
The Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands|R.M. Ballantyne
Here the surf was like a boiling caldron, but there was not depth enough to admit of heavy seas.
The Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands|R.M. Ballantyne