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shrew

[ʃruː]

shrew Definition

  • 1a small, mouse-like insectivorous mammal with a long pointed snout and tiny eyes
  • 2a bad-tempered or aggressively assertive woman

Using shrew: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "shrew" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The shrew is known for its high metabolism and active lifestyle.

  • Example

    She was often called a shrew by her coworkers due to her sharp tongue and quick temper.

shrew Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for shrew

Idioms Using shrew

  • to exaggerate a minor problem into something major

    Example

    She always makes a mountain out of a molehill, turning small issues into big arguments.

  • to avoid restarting a conflict

    Example

    I know you're angry, but it's best to let sleeping dogs lie and not bring up old arguments.

  • have a bee in one's bonnet

    to be preoccupied or obsessed with something

    Example

    He has a bee in his bonnet about renewable energy and talks about it constantly.

Phrases with shrew

  • a play by William Shakespeare about a man who tries to tame his wife's shrewish behavior

    Example

    The Taming of the Shrew is one of Shakespeare's most popular comedies.

  • clever and astute, like a shrew

    Example

    Her business acumen was as shrewd as a shrew's hunting instincts.

  • shrew-mouse

    an alternative name for the common shrew

    Example

    The shrew-mouse is a common sight in gardens and fields.

Origins of shrew

from Middle English 'shrewe', meaning 'an evil or scolding person'

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Summary: shrew in Brief

The term 'shrew' [ʃruː] refers to a small, mouse-like mammal or a bad-tempered woman. The former is known for its high metabolism and active lifestyle, while the latter is characterized by sharp tongue and quick temper. 'Shrew' extends into phrases like 'taming of the shrew,' and idioms like 'let sleeping dogs lie,' denoting conflict avoidance, and 'have a bee in one's bonnet,' implying obsession.