COMMON If you come out of your shell, you become less shy and more confident. She used to be very timid and shy but I think she's come out of her shell. Note: You can say that someone or something brings you out of your shell when they cause you to be less shy and more confident. I think the job has brought her out of her shell. Note: You can also say that someone goes into or retreats into their shell, meaning that they become more shy and less confident. He went into his shell as he got older, seeing less and less of his friends. Note: The image is of a snail or shellfish, both of which go into their shells for protection.