To go, retreat, etc. into your shell
phrase
To become more introverted or withdrawn, often as a result of feeling uncomfortable or anxious.
After getting embarrassed in front of her peers, she went into her shell and avoided social gatherings.
Often appears as...
- go into his shell
- retreat into her shell
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To become more introverted or withdrawn, often as a result of feeling uncomfortable or anxious.
After getting embarrassed in front of her peers, she went into her shell and avoided social gatherings.
Often appears as...
- go into his shell
- retreat into her shell
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Trigger
The phrase is used when someone is upset or embarrassed and becomes very quiet and less communicative.
He's been quiet all day; I think the criticism made him retreat into his shell.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary State
It implies a temporary state, suggesting the person may come out of their shell eventually.
She's gone into her shell right now, but she'll be her usual self with some time.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
This phrase is figurative and does not refer to physically hiding within a shell like a turtle might do.
Don't worry, he hasn't literally disappeared, he's just gone into his shell for a bit.
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