A frog in the throat

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Meaning

Temporary hoarseness caused by phlegm in the back of the throat.

Origin

This is probably an American phrase. There are many examples of its use in the USA from the late 19th century, but none from other English-speaking countries until the middle years of the 20th century. The earliest reference I can find is from an advertisement for a proprietary medicine that adopted the term as its name, in The Stevens Point Journal, November 1894:

"The Taylor Bros. say that 'Frog in the Throat' will cure hoarseness. 10 cents and box."

In December of the following year, The Middletown Daily Argus ran a similar advert for a rival product:

"Throat Lozenges - Our own formula for 'frog in the throat' - tickling might cough - hoarseness, etc. 10C a box."

Whatever the source of the phrase, ten cents bought you a cure.