shrinking violet
nounUK /ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ ˈvaɪələt/ · US /ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ ˈvaɪələt/
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.
1
Idiomatic 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.
- '"Shy", you said, sir! And I think you saw Moya less than six months ago? Well, the shrinking violet has been "had" twice since then for brawling, and if her mother hadn't contrived influenza in the very nick of time I understand that the timid fawn had arranged to chain herself to the minute hand of Big Ben.'1927, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], Max Carrados Mysteries:
1 more example
- 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!1965, “So Long Mom (A Song for World War III)” (track 1, side 2), in That Was the Year That Was, performed by Tom Lehrer:
- Synonyms
- shy person
- Related terms
- wallflower