Noun
/lɪtəl ʃruː/
A "little shrew" generally refers to a small mammal belonging to the family Soricidae, known for its elongated snout and high metabolic rate. The term can also metaphorically describe a person, particularly a woman, who is perceived as spiteful or difficult, although this usage is more dated and might be considered pejorative.
The term is not extremely common in everyday use, especially as it pertains to the animal; it is more frequently found in written contexts, such as biological texts, literature, or discussions about wildlife.
The little shrew scurried across the forest floor, searching for insects.
Маленькая землеройка промчалась по лесной подстилке в поисках насекомых.
In the novel, the author described her as a little shrew, always complaining and nagging.
В романе автор описывает её как маленькую злую женщину, которая всегда жаловалась и придиралась.
We spotted a little shrew while hiking and recorded our findings for the wildlife survey.
Во время похода мы заметили маленькую землеройку и зафиксировали наши наблюдения для исследования дикой природы.
Though the term "little shrew" itself is not particularly common in idiomatic expressions, the word "shrew" does appear in various idiomatic contexts:
Shrewd as a fox
The politician was shrewd as a fox, managing to navigate the complex issues with ease.
Политик был хитёр, как лиса, умело справляясь со сложными вопросами.
A shrewd move
Investing in renewable energy was a shrewd move for the company.
Инвестирование в возобновляемые источники энергии было хитрым шагом для компании.
Shrew farewell
After a shrew farewell, she left the office, promising never to return.
После жестокой расправы она покинула офис, пообещав никогда не возвращаться.
An old shrew
He was often seen as an old shrew, constantly criticizing the younger generation.
Его часто считали старой злой женщиной, постоянно критикующей молодежь.
To be no shrew
She was often underestimated, but to be no shrew, she proved her capabilities.
Её часто недооценивали, но, чтобы не быть злой женщиной, она доказала свои способности.
The word "shrew" comes from Old English "screawa," which refers to a person suffering from evil or misfortune. The term evolved to describe the small mammal, and later took on a derogatory connotation for a quarrelsome woman.
This comprehensive overview encapsulates the different dimensions of the term "little shrew" in both its literal and metaphorical interpretations.