He swallowed and tried to bring up some spit to wet his tongue.

"And here was I, thinking he had swallowed his tongue."

"As a matter of fact, I think she swallowed her tongue."

"Did you suggest to him that he swallow his tongue?"

No good having a radio if you've swallowed your tongue.

That's what people mean when they say someone swallowed his tongue, isn't it?

"His pulse never went above 80, even when he swallowed her tongue."

He jerked around, apparently trying to swallow his own tongue.

"You don't want to see a guy swallow his tongue."

Finally died in a fit, swallowed his own tongue, and no one there to help him.