wallflower
Translation
wallflower
Examples
She was a wallflower at the school dance.
She was a wallflower at the school dance.
We planted wallflowers in the garden.
We planted wallflowers in the garden.
Grammar Patterns
to be a wallflower to be a shy person at a social event She was a wallflower at the party.
Similar Words
Synonyms (person): shy person, introvert
Etymology
A compound of 'wall' + 'flower'. The figurative sense comes from someone standing by the wall at a dance, not participating.
Memory Tips
Picture a person standing against the wall at a party, as quiet and still as a flower growing on a wall.