To feel something stuck or blocked in the chest or throat; to experience pressure, pain, or a choking sensation due to grief, anxiety, illness, etc.
魚の骨がのどにひっかかって、つかえている感じがする。
I feel like a fish bone is stuck in my throat.
大事な発表で緊張して声がつかえてしまった。
I got nervous during the important presentation and my voice choked up.
悲しい知らせを聞いて胸がつかえて眠れなかった。
Hearing the sad news made my chest feel tight and I couldn't sleep.