A shrinking violet

usgb
noun

A person who is very shy and quiet.

She is not a shrinking violet, she is confident and not afraid to speak her mind.
Visual representation of "a shrinking violet" - A person who is very shy and quiet.

Often appears as...

  • she's not a shrinking violet
  • came out of her shrinking violet persona

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "a shrinking violet"
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Emotional Connotation

Implies vulnerability or a lack of confidence, sometimes used compassionately.

Illustration for Emotional Connotation
Even amidst boisterous debates, he remained a shrinking violet.
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Informal Context

Used in casual conversation, less appropriate in formal writing or speeches.

Illustration for Informal Context
At parties, he's a bit of a shrinking violet.
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Not Negative

Being a shrinking violet isn't always bad; it can mean being thoughtful and reserved.

Illustration for Not Negative
He's considered the office shrinking violet, calmly observing before he acts.
Visual representation of the word "A shrinking violet"

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