The man tried to smile, but the effort died on his lips.

Oliver turned to say something, but the words died on his lips.

The words he was about to call died on his suddenly parched lips.

She was about to ask him what he wanted when the words died on her lips.

I wanted to say, "Please don't call me your sister," but the words died on my lips.

Then the call died on her lips, as she realized how ridiculous it would be.

But then the young physician let the words die on his lips.

But then the words seemed to literally die on his lips.

I attempted to speak, but the words died away on my lips.

She started to protest, then the words died on her lips.