shrinking violet

NOUN

very shy person

Synonyms

WEAK

modest violet mouse retiring person shy person shy thing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"I always thought he'd be a future champion, but I've really seen him change from that shrinking violet who first stepped into my office," Warren reflects.

From BBC • Sep. 20, 2024

Mirren is no shrinking violet, and neither is the woman she portrays.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2022

I must say, Gillian is not a shrinking violet; she has a very strong screen presence always.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 2, 2022

Beal took over as the Wizards’ leader on and off the court while Wall was injured for the past two years, and Westbrook is no shrinking violet.

From Washington Post • Dec. 3, 2020

I mean his pa was purt close to Pap’s size and his ma wasn’t no shrinking violet of a woman neither.

From "The Journey of Little Charlie" by Christopher Paul Curtis