tongue tied

past tense of tongue-tie

/ˈtʌŋˌtaɪd/
adjective
  1. Unable to speak clearly or easily, especially because of shyness, nervousness, or surprise.
    • She felt tongue-tied when asked to give a speech at the wedding.
    • He stood tongue-tied in front of his favorite actor, unable to say a word.
    • The student was tongue-tied during the job interview and couldn't answer the first question.
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