He doesn't 'shrink from' telling the truth, no matter how painful it may be.
He's no 'shrinking violet' when it comes to competition.
The treatment should 'shrink' the tumor.
(..) My lord. - Patience. Patience, my love! No, Hondshew! This can't be. It's a freaking monster. The demon shrinks. It shrinks. Your blood-letting days are finished, demon! I am not demon! It speaks! It speaks! (..)2007 Beowulf