clam

Everyday

1. A clam is a sea or river animal with a soft body inside two hard shells joined by a hinge; it lives buried in sand or mud. tree →
2. Clams are also eaten as seafood. tree →
3. To clam up means to suddenly stop talking, often because you are nervous or do not want to tell. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, clams are molluscs, like snails and mussels; they filter tiny food from water; the giant clam on coral reefs can be bigger than a child. In stories and everyday life, someone who «clams up» goes quiet when asked questions. «Happy as a clam» (US) means very happy. Phrases: «clam chowder», «giant clam», «clam up», «shut like a clam».

Examples

• We found an empty clam shell on the beach. tree →
• Clams dig into the sand when the tide goes out. tree →
• The giant clam lives on coral reefs. tree →
• Dad ordered clam chowder at the restaurant. tree →
• When the teacher asked who broke it, Sam clammed up. tree →
• She shut her mouth like a clam and said nothing. tree →

Note

Verb forms double the m: «clammed», «clamming». Do not confuse with «clammy» (cold and slightly wet: clammy hands). A clam is a mollusc, not a fish.