shrinking violet
noun/ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ ˈvaɪələt/UK/ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ ˈvaɪələt/US
Etymology
Possibly from the inconspicuous nature of the violet (genus Viola) flower and plant. The term appears to have been first used in the literal sense in the early 19th century.
Definitions
A very shy or timid person, who avoids contact with others if possible.
- June, no shrinking violet she, crossed the room and introduced herself to the newcomers.
- Little Johnny Jones, he was a US pilot / And no shrinking violet was he / He was mighty proud when World War III was declared / He wasn't scared, no siree!
The neighborhood
Vish — recursive loop
No curated loop yet for shrinking violet. Loops are being traced one word at a time while the ingestion pipeline matures.
sense glosses and etymology drawn from English Wiktionary · source · CC-BY-SA