bring (one) out of (one's) shell

bring (one) out of (one's) shell

To cause someone to be more outgoing. Usually said of a shy or introverted person. Wow, I remember when Anna wouldn't even talk to anyone, and now she's likely to be voted "Most Talkative"—I wonder what brought her out of her shell.

See also: bring, of, out, shell

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

bring (one) out of one's shell

 and get one out of one's shell; bring one out; get one out

Fig. to make a person become more open and friendly. (Alludes to a shy turtle being coaxed to put its head out of its shell.) We tried to bring Greg out of his shell, but he is very shy. He's quiet, and it's hard to get him out of his shell.

See also: bring, of, out, shell

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.