tongue-tied
Americanadjective
-
speechless, esp with embarrassment or shyness
-
having a condition of tongue-tie
Etymology
Origin of tongue-tied
First recorded in 1520–30; tongue + tie ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Like Mr Reynolds, Rachel Reeves was also rather numerically tongue tied when she was repeatedly asked about the number on Sky News.
From BBC • Feb. 7, 2024
"I think I was weak-kneed and tongue tied, but I managed to squeak out 'Your Majesty, it's a great honour to meet you.' I will take those memories to my grave," he said.
From BBC • Sep. 17, 2022
Mrs. Cabrera explained later that it was anxiety, not failure to understand the question, that had her tongue tied.
From New York Times • Jan. 26, 2012
Standing at second base, Ali proved once again that he can take on anybody with only one tongue tied behind his back.
From Time Magazine Archive
“D’you reckon he’s been in here and had his tongue tied by Moody’s curse?” asked Ron.
From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
