This meaning refers to various edible or non-edible bivalve mollusks that live buried in sand or mud.
The child found a clam in the shallow water.
Clams are commonly used in soups and pasta dishes.
This informal figurative use compares a silent or reserved person to a tightly closed shellfish.
He becomes a complete clam during interviews.
The witness was as tight-lipped as a clam.
Usually used as clam up, this meaning refers to suddenly refusing to speak or share information.
He clammed up when the police asked about the money.
The witness clams up whenever the case is mentioned.
This meaning refers to searching for and collecting clams as food, recreation, or commercial harvest.
Families clammed along the shore at low tide.
They spent the morning clamming in the bay.
