Humility is a virtue that involves modesty and a lack of ego. It’s a trait that allows individuals to acknowledge their limitations and appreciate others’ contributions without feeling diminished. This collection of idioms explores the various facets of humility, highlighting its importance in personal growth and interpersonal relationships.
1. Down-to-earth
Meaning: Modest, practical
Example: She’s very down-to-earth despite her fame.
2. Keep one’s feet on the ground
Meaning: Remain practical
Example: He keeps his feet on the ground.
3. Not blow one’s own trumpet
Meaning: Avoid self-praise
Example: She never blows her own trumpet.
4. Take a back seat
Meaning: Stay unassuming
Example: He took a back seat during discussions.
5. Eat humble pie
Meaning: Admit error
Example: He ate humble pie after the error.
6. Low-profile
Meaning: Unassuming presence
Example: She keeps a low-profile at work.
7. Not one to steal the spotlight
Meaning: Avoids being center of attention
Example: He’s not one to steal the spotlight.
8. Play second fiddle
Meaning: Be supportive, not leading
Example: She plays second fiddle in their duo.
9. Shrink into the background
Meaning: Stay unnoticed
Example: He shrank into the background.
10. Fly under the radar
Meaning: Avoid drawing attention
Example: They prefer to fly under the radar.
11. No airs and graces
Meaning: Without pretension
Example: She has no airs and graces.
12. Blend into the woodwork
Meaning: Go unnoticed
Example: He blends into the woodwork at parties.
13. Keep one’s head down
Meaning: Avoid prominence
Example: She keeps her head down and works hard.
14. Fade into the background
Meaning: Become inconspicuous
Example: He fades into the background during debates.
15. Modesty personified
Meaning: Extremely modest
Example: She is modesty personified.
16. Cut down to size
Meaning: Humble someone arrogant
Example: His errors cut him down to size.
17. Not cut out to be a star
Meaning: Not seeking fame
Example: He’s not cut out to be a star.
18. Without fanfare
Meaning: Uncelebrated, quietly
Example: They opened the store without fanfare.
19. Not make a spectacle of oneself
Meaning: Avoid drawing attention
Example: She never makes a spectacle of herself.
20. Go about one’s business quietly
Meaning: Work unassumingly
Example: He goes about his business quietly.
