ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fight shy

idiom

To avoid meeting at a close distance or at close quarters; to keep out of reach, to avoid.


Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bun fight

    A debate or disagreement, usually with several parties involved, often political in nature.

  2. 02

    few cards shy of a full deck

    Mentally deranged; demented; insane.

  3. 03

    fight a losing battle

    To attempt a task or other endeavor in which there is no chance that it will succeed.

  4. 04

    fight fire with fire

    To respond to an attack with a similar or identical counter-attack (e.g. to respond to gunfire with reciprocal gunfire).

  5. 05

    fight fires

    To deal with urgent matters and minor emergencies rather than longer-term work.

  6. 06

    fight for one's life

    To be in danger of dying (as a result of injury, illness etc.).

  7. 07

    fight one's corner

    To vigorously promote or defend one's interests, views, etc.

  8. 08

    shy bladder

    An inability to urinate in the presence of others.

© 2026 English Reference