shrinking violets
Timid, retiring people
Shrinking violets are shy, timid people who avoid attention or confrontation.
The phrase is almost always negative: Don't be a shrinking violet—speak up for yourself.
It often appears ironically to describe someone decidedly not shy: She's no shrinking violet when it comes to office politics.
The violet flower grows low and partly hidden by leaves.
- introvertedTurned toward inner life
- diffidentLacking self-assurance
- timidLacking courage or confidence
- bashfulUncomfortably self-conscious
- social anxietyFear of being judged
submissive · unobtrusive · self-effacing · reserved · shy · soft-spoken · withdrawn · keeping quiet · understated · wallflowers · quiet · reticent · demure · meek · unassertive · low profile · reclusive · hesitant
shrinking violetsattention seekers
Those craving public notice
show-offs · exhibitionists · extroverts · social butterflies · loudmouths
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