All tongue-tied
Meaning
To be completely unable to speak due to shyness, nervousness, or strong emotion.
Origin
The phrase "tongue-tied" originally described a literal medical condition, known as ankyloglossia, where a short frenulum beneath the tongue restricted its movement, making clear speech difficult or impossible. This physical impediment, documented as early as the 16th century, left sufferers truly 'tied' in their ability to articulate. Over time, this vivid image of a physically constrained tongue migrated from medicine into metaphor, evolving to describe the equally paralyzing inability to speak caused by overwhelming emotions like shyness, nervousness, or awe. The addition of "all" simply intensifies this feeling, painting a picture of complete speechlessness.
Examples
- When she saw her childhood hero, she became all tongue-tied and couldn't utter a single coherent sentence.
- He was usually so confident, but during the job interview, he found himself all tongue-tied and fumbling for words.