The Village Idiom

fight shy of

The idiom "fight shy of" means to avoid or be hesitant towards something due to fear, caution or reluctance.

Filed under F

In a sentence

  • She fought shy of public speaking and always avoided giving presentations.
  • He fights shy of commitment and rarely stays in a long-term relationship.
  • They fought shy of investing in stocks after the market crash.

Where it comes from and how it is used

In the English language, the idiom "fight shy of" is commonly used to express hesitation or reluctance. It conveys the idea of actively avoiding or staying away from a particular situation, person, or thing. The idiom often implies a sense of self-preservation or the desire to avoid potential harm or negative consequences.

A third related idiom is "fend away", which means to defend or protect oneself from something or someone. This idiom aligns with the notion of self-preservation and caution present in "fight shy of". Both idioms suggest taking action to shield oneself from potential harm or unwanted consequences.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.