Shrinking violet
/ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ ˈvaɪələt/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A very shy or timid person, who avoids contact with others if possible. idiomatic
"June, no shrinking violet she, crossed the room and introduced herself to the newcomers."
- 2 someone who shrinks from familiarity with others wordnet
Example
More examples"June, no shrinking violet she, crossed the room and introduced herself to the newcomers."
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.