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

  • (..) nice to meet you. - Agent Denham, this is agent Hughes. - Hi, how are you? Now, I'll introduce you.. This Nicole, Heidi, come on, don't be shy.. Why do you guys shy for? Don't be scared.. These are friends of Stratton. - It's a pleasure. - Hello. (..)
    2013 The Wolf of Wall Street
  • (..) in a tiny apartment in Bayside, Queens. The year I turned , as the head of my own brokerage firm, I make million dollars. Which really pissed me off because it was three shy of a million a week. No, no, my Ferrari was white like Don Johnson's in Miami Vice. Not red. See that humongous estate down (..)
    2013 The Wolf of Wall Street