Home » Idioms » come out of your shell

come out of your shell: meaning and explanation

If someone comes out of their shell, then they become more confident, talkative, outgoing and friendly. Previously, they had been shy, quiet or reserved. This expression comes from animals like tortoises and snails, which can withdraw inside their shells to hide:

. .
shy . didn’t really until he .

Here's another example:

Only members can access this listening exercise – join MicroEnglish to access all exercises.

Already a member? Login here

We can also say that someone or something can bring somebody out of their shell, which means that someone or something helps a person to become more confident, talkative, etc.

Only members can access this listening exercise – join MicroEnglish to access all exercises.

Already a member? Login here

Here are some more examples of this expression being used in context – how much can you understand?

Listening exercises

Dictation #1

Accent: England (RP)

Only members can access this listening exercise – join MicroEnglish to access all exercises.

Already a member? Login here

Dictation #2

Accent: England (RP)

Only members can access this listening exercise – join MicroEnglish to access all exercises.

Already a member? Login here

Dictation #3

Accent: England (London)

Only members can access this listening exercise – join MicroEnglish to access all exercises.

Already a member? Login here

 

Extra practice

Here are some questions/links to help you learn the new vocabulary:

  • Are you a shy person? What helps you to come out of your shell?
  • Can you remember a time when you saw someone come out of their shell a bit?

Photo by Sindy Strife on Unsplash

Categorized in:

Idioms

Tagged in:

, ,