Phrase · British life & culture

the modesty reflex

noun phrase /thuh-mod-es-tee-ree-fleks/

Definition

The automatic British response of downplaying positive circumstances.

In use

“'How are things?' 'Oh... not bad.' Pure modesty reflex.”

Filed under

british life
Published 3 August 2026

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The details

About this phrase

The language, classification and history attached to this Definr entry.

Language

Language form
noun phrase
Pronunciation
/thuh-mod-es-tee-ree-fleks/

Classification

Life domain
People & society

History

Published
Last updated

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