fight shy of, to keep away from; avoid: She fought shy of making the final decision.
Origin: before 1000; late Middle English schey (adj.), early Middle English scheowe,Old English scēoh; cognate with Middle High German schiech; akin to Dutch schuw,German scheu;compare eschew
Related forms
shy·er, noun
shy·ly, adverb
shy·ness, noun
Synonyms 1.Shy,bashful,diffident imply a manner that shows discomfort or lack of confidence in association with others. Shy implies a constitutional shrinking from contact or close association with others, together with a wish to escape notice: shy and retiring. Bashful suggests timidity about meeting others, and trepidation and awkward behavior when brought into prominence or notice: a bashful child. Diffident emphasizes self-distrust, fear of censure, failure, etc., and a hesitant, tentative manner as a consequence: a diffident approach to a touchy subject. 4. heedful, cautious, chary. 10. shrink.