expression, i-adjective
ashamed; embarrassed; feeling small
Describes the feeling of being ashamed or embarrassed in front of others, often because of one's own situation or actions. The phrase literally means 'narrow-shouldered' and is used to express a sense of inferiority or discomfort in social settings.
See also: 肩身が狭い
仕事をクビになって、肩身の狭い思いをしている。
Having been fired, I feel ashamed.
He seemed embarrassed because he was the only one among his friends without money.