PhrasesHub

Shrinking violet

    Definitions

      • shy and timid
        Describing someone who is very shy and reserved in social situations, often avoiding attention or interaction with others

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

    Examples of Shrinking violet

    • Lily is a bit of a shrinking violet at parties. She usually blends into the background and avoids drawing attention to herself.

      The idiom "shrinking violet" refers to a shy and introverted person who avoids being noticed. It comes from the name of a pale, delicate flower that tends to shrink away from bright light.

    • During her presentation, Sarah felt like a shrinking violet as she stumbled over her words and lost her train of thought.

      Here, "shrinking violet" is used to describe someone who becomes very embarrassed or self-conscious in a situation where they are expected to perform or speak in front of others.

    • In the classroom, Tim often shrank into the background and barely participated in class discussions.

      "Shrinking violet" can also be used to describe a person who is timid or reticent in social or professional settings. It highlights the person's reluctance to assert themselves and put themselves forward.

    • At the dinner party, Jane's husband, Tom, was the life of the party, leaving Jane to fade into the background, almost like a shrinking violet.

      "Shrinking violet" can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who becomes less conspicuous or less energetic in the presence of others. It may be used to contrast a more confident or outgoing person with a more reserved one.

    • Emily is such a shrinking violet in social situations. She hardly speaks up and avoids being the center of attention.

      The phrase "shrinking violet" is used to describe a shy and introverted person, who is uncomfortable in social situations and prefers to blend in with the background rather than stand out. Emily, in this example, is the symbolic "violet" that withers away and fades into the surroundings when exposed to social situations.

    • At the presentation, most of our team members were confident and articulate, but Sarah was a real shrinking violet. She barely contributed to the discussion and appeared uncomfortable in her own skin.

      The second example highlights that the shrinking violet's behavior can be particularly noticeable when compared to more outgoing and confident people. Sarah, in this scenario, comes across as timid and uneasy in the face of more assertive team members.

    • In the meeting, Jack was the life of the party, but Karen remained a shrinking violet. She didn't seem to have much to contribute and seemed uncomfortable with Jack's boisterous personality.

      The phrase "shrinking violet" can also be used to describe a person's behavior in relation to other individuals surrounding them. Karen, in this scenario, is the one who shrinks away from the more outgoing person's energy and becomes less visible in comparison.

    • Despite her introverted nature, Lily refused to be a shrinking violet in the job interview. She spoke confidently and displayed a clear understanding of the role, impressing the interviewer with her answers.

      The fourth example demonstrates that while some people naturally lean towards being more reserved, the phrase "shrinking violet" doesn't necessarily have to be a permanent label. Lily is a counter-example, as she showed that she could still assert herself and prove her capabilities, even in a situation that would typically make her uncomfortable.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "shrinking violet" can be used to describe someone who is very shy and reserved, often avoiding attention or interaction with others. It can also be used to discourage someone from engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit.

    Origin of "Shrinking violet"

    The origin of the idiom "shrinking violet" is believed to come from the Victorian era, where the term "violet" was used to describe a modest and demure woman. The "shrinking" part of the idiom implies someone who is withdrawing or shrinking away from attention or social interaction. The phrase gained popularity in the 20th century and is still commonly used today to describe someone who is very shy and reserved. For example, "She's always been a shrinking violet at parties, preferring to stay in the background."