shy
1suspicious, distrustful, or wary (often used in combination): I am a bit shy of that sort of person.The studio made a huge mistake when they cast a horse-shy actor in the cowboy role.This particular inventor was known to be media-shy.
reluctant: She’s never been shy about asking to speak to the manager when she’s unhappy with customer service.
deficient: shy of funds.
short of a full amount or number; scant: We're still a few dollars shy of our goal.He's pretty tall—just an inch shy of six feet.
(in poker) indebted to the pot.
not bearing or breeding freely, as plants or animals.
(especially of a horse) to start back or aside, as in fear.
to draw back; recoil.
a sudden start aside, as in fear.
Idioms about shy
fight shy of, to keep away from; avoid: She fought shy of making the final decision.
Origin of shy
1synonym study For shy
Other words for shy
Opposites for shy
Other words from shy
- shy·er, noun
- shy·ly, adverb
- shy·ness, noun
Other definitions for shy (2 of 2)
to throw with a swift, sudden movement: to shy a stone.
a quick, sudden throw.
Informal.
a gibe or sneer.
a try.
Origin of shy
2Other words for shy
Other words from shy
- shyer, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use shy in a sentence
New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton has never been shy about his enthusiasm for quarterback Taysom Hill ever since he plucked the then-rookie off the preseason waiver wire in 2017.
Taysom Hill, not Jameis Winston, reportedly will replace Drew Brees for the Saints | Matt Bonesteel | November 20, 2020 | Washington PostNow 200 shy of the goal, Ames felt confident the charitable momentum that had carried the drive this far would make up the difference before the giveaway next week.
‘Can’t eat a gift card’: Rural food banks fight to put turkeys on the table | Kyle Swenson | November 20, 2020 | Washington PostNestled between stalk and branch, each sprout grows to between half an inch and just shy of two inches in diameter.
A guide to Brussels sprouts: How to choose, store, season and cook the versatile vegetable | Daniela Galarza | November 20, 2020 | Washington PostThe one that I flew more than the rest, I feel like I love just shy behind my family.
Blue Angels jet gets a new home at Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum | By Michael E. Ruane | November 19, 2020 | Washington PostA slender, shy boy with an easy smile, Garcia didn’t like to imagine his future in Guatemala.
Inside the Lives of Immigrant Teens Working Dangerous Night Shifts in Suburban Factories | by Melissa Sanchez | November 19, 2020 | ProPublica
Eventually, though, some clever person shyly pipes up: “You know, keep one eye on John Kasich.”
John Kasich’s Unforgivable Truth About Obamacare | Michael Tomasky | October 21, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTWe start slowly, shyly, and awkwardly just like most teenagers discovering the birds and the bees.
Also, after Pearl Harbor and Bataan, it usually shyly follows America's lead in international affairs.
When she goes home to her school in India, she says, the kids shyly approach and shake her hand.
A Fashionista’s India Dream: Indrani Changes the Fate of Forgotten Girls | Abigail Pesta | July 10, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTAnother student, in a blue sweater-vest, shyly waited his turn.
Donkeygate! Bush Officials Banned the Democrat Mascot | Randall Lane | July 6, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST“I am sure my mother will be glad to meet you and hear all about those old days at Lucknow,” she said shyly.
The Red Year | Louis TracyThen after a little pause, she added shyly: "You really think a great deal of—of Allen's ability, don't you, Mother?"
The Outdoor Girls in the Saddle | Laura Lee HopeAnnie had hardly retired, when—a little shyly—the boys entered, uncertain of their reception.
Julian Home | Dean Frederic W. FarrarHe fell asleep, and soon and slowly and ever so dimly the opal light of the prairie dawn crept shyly over the landscape.
You Never Know Your Luck, Complete | Gilbert Parker"I received a letter from him two days ago, as I was leaving Brereton's," answered Marius half shyly.
The Rake's Progress | Marjorie Bowen
British Dictionary definitions for shy (1 of 2)
/ (ʃaɪ) /
not at ease in the company of others
easily frightened; timid
(often foll by of) watchful or wary
poker (of a player) without enough money to back his bet
(of plants and animals) not breeding or producing offspring freely
(foll by of) informal, mainly US and Canadian short (of)
(in combination) showing reluctance or disinclination: workshy
to move suddenly, as from fear: the horse shied at the snake in the road
(usually foll by off or away) to draw back; recoil
a sudden movement, as from fear
Origin of shy
1Derived forms of shy
- shyly, adverb
- shyness, noun
British Dictionary definitions for shy (2 of 2)
/ (ʃaɪ) /
to throw (something) with a sideways motion
Origin of shy
2Derived forms of shy
- shyer, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with shy
In addition to the idiom beginning with shy
- shy away from
also see:
- bricks shy of a load
- fight shy of
- once bitten, twice shy
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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