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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

  • (..) To my way of thinkin', takin' one man... who done you and this town a big service... and draggin' him with his shy ways into the lime light-- To me, that's a sin. It's a sin. And I'm not about to have it on my head. I may not be much, Mr Finch... (..)
    1962 To Kill a Mockingbird