shrinking violet en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ ˈvaɪlət/ (Received-Pronunciation)
- /ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ ˈvaɪələt/ (Received-Pronunciation)
- /ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ ˈvaɪlət/ (General-American)
- /-lɪt/ (Received-Pronunciation)
- /ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ ˈvaɪələt/ (General-American)
- (Australia) audio
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.
Meanings
-
(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: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:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| shrinking violets | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Relateds
Synonyms
Translations (5)
bg мимоза (very shy person) · ru недотро́га (very shy person) · mk срамежливец (very shy person) · el χαμηλοβλεπούσα (very shy person) · pl trusia (very shy person)