shrinking violet

名词 n.
中文释义
英 /ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ ˈvaɪələt/|/ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ ˈvaɪlət/|/-lɪt/    美 /ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ ˈvaɪələt/|/ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ ˈvaɪlət/

英文释义

名词 n.
  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.

词形变化

shrinking violets plural

词源

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.
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