Possible Clues:

• Shied away
• The shorter one got, the more one must keep quiet about one's position
• Don't say anything, but the class got smaller (6)
• Shriveled
• Flinched, seeing footballer finally breaking leg
• Just keep quiet over one's official position - it was less than it used to be
• Became less quiet, having a row
• Contracted, grew smaller
• Keep quiet as to status when it got less
• Got less quiet at station