# fight shy

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/fight-shy
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- He fights shy of talking about his past.
- The politician fought shy of answering questions about the budget during the press conference.
- Although the evidence was compelling, the committee fought shy of making a final decision until they had reviewed every document.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.