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

make a mountain out of a molehill, let sleeping dogs lie, have a bee in one's bonnet

taming of the shrew, shrewd as a shrew, shrew-mouse

Formal and Informal Expressions of shrew

In different contexts, you can replace 'shrew' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'woman' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'termagant, dragon, witch' is a commonplace synonym.

shrew: Explore its Definition & Usage

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

Synonyms for shrew

Antonyms for shrew

Idioms Using shrew

make a mountain out of a molehill
to exaggerate a minor problem into something major
Example
She always makes a mountain out of a molehill, turning small issues into big arguments.
let sleeping dogs lie
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

taming of the 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.
shrewd as a shrew
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.