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shy

Definition

  • verb: to move away from something because of fear
  • verb: to develop or show a dislike or distaste
  • adjective: feeling nervous and uncomfortable about meeting and talking to people
  • adjective: easily frightened
  • usually used with 'from' or 'away from'
  • synonyms: timid, reserved, coy

Examples

  • He was two weeks 'shy of' his 19th birthday when he joined the army.

  • The ball stopped just a few inches 'shy of' the hole.

  • He's three credits 'shy of' his bachelor's degree.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) Get out of sight. What's the matter? The salesman's looking out of his window. You see? Get back. He'll see you. I'm not shy. I've been looked at before. That's no ordinary look. That's the kind of look a man gives when he's afraid somebody might be watching. (..)
    1954 Rear Window