to choke off

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

A figurative expression borrowed from the act of choking a dog to make him loosen his hold. To arrest or stop a public speaker when addressing an audience, is called choking him off. This is done by shuffling the feet, applauding where applause is uncalled for, by putting questions of order, or in any way impeding or arresting the speaker. It is sometimes resorted to when a tedious man occupies the floor, and when vacant seats do not satisfy him that no one will listen to him.


I spent a couple of hours in the House amused by watching the dignified proceedings of our Representatives. The operation of "choking off" a speaker was very funny, and reminded me of the lawless conduct of fighting school-boys.--New York Express, Feb. 21, 1848.

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