Stuck in his craw

Posted by R. Berg December 17, 2002In reply to Stuck in his craw posted by Bob on December 17, 2002

Does anyone know where this expression comes from, I have heard it used in a negative context: "stuck in his crawl that they made him retire at the age of 65", "Apparently, this has stuck in his crawl ever since. I know, because he would send me emails every once in a while with some cutting or derogatory comment". Please help

It's craw, not crawl. One gets obsessed with something when you can't digest it and get over it.

Literally, "craw" means the crop [digestive organ] of a bird or the stomach of an animal (American Heritage Dictionary).