C1idiompeopleIELTS-friendly
a shrinking violet
USUK
a very shy person who avoids attention
Mostly used in the negative ('no shrinking violet') or as advice ('don't be a shrinking violet').
In context
Lan is certainly not a shrinking violet; she spoke first at the meeting and challenged the director.
Don't be a shrinking violet: put your hand up and ask for the pay rise you deserve.
More idioms about people
- a chip off the old blocka child who is very like one of their parents in character or skills
- a cold fishsomeone who seems unfriendly and does not show feelings
- a drama queensomeone who reacts to small problems as if they were very serious
- a fair-weather friendsomeone who is your friend only when things are going well for you
- a friend in need is a friend indeeda person who helps you when you are in trouble is a true friend