Fight shy Meaning in English
expression
ˈfaɪt/ /ˈʃaɪ
FYTE SHY
fˈaɪt/ /ʃˈaɪ
FYTE SHY
Definition
To deliberately avoid something or someone because you do not like or trust it, or find it difficult or unpleasant.
Usage & Nuances
Somewhat formal and mainly British English. Commonly used as 'fight shy of (something)'. Not about literal fighting; it means avoiding something rather than confronting it. Typical in phrases like 'fight shy of responsibility' or 'fight shy of commitment'.
Spanish: evitar - esquivar - rehuirPortuguese (BR): evitar - esquivar - fugir dePortuguese (PT): evitar - esquivar - fugir deChinese (Simplified): 避免 - 躲避Chinese (Traditional): 避免 - 躲避Hindi: बचना - दूरी बनानाArabic: يتجنب - يتحاشىBengali: এড়িয়ে চলা - বিরত থাকাRussian: избегать - сторонитьсяJapanese: 避ける - しりごみするVietnamese: né tránh - tránh xaKorean: 피하다 - 멀리하다Turkish: kaçınmak - uzak durmakUrdu: بچنا - دور رہناIndonesian: menghindari - menjauh dari
Example Sentences
He tends to fight shy of big crowds.
basic
Many students fight shy of speaking in public.
basic
She fights shy of taking on too much work.
basic
He always fights shy of confrontation, even when he's right.
natural
If you fight shy of challenges, you'll never grow.
natural
Some companies fight shy of making big investments during uncertain times.
natural