have a lump in (one's) throat
To have difficulty speaking as a result of feeling that one is about to cry due to an intense emotional response to something. Though I was excited for my daughter to start her college experience, I still had a lump in my throat saying goodbye to her at the airport.
have a ˈlump in your throat
feel a tight feeling in your throat caused by a strong emotion: I didn’t cry but I did have a lump in my throat.