Fight shy of meaning

Fight shy of definitions

Fight Shy Of Explained

Fight shy of is an idiom that means to avoid something or someone, to keep a distance or steer clear of a particular situation. It implies a reluctance or unwillingness to engage or participate in a certain activity.

Fight shy of is often used when someone is hesitant or cautious about getting involved in something, either due to fear, uncertainty, or a past negative experience. It can also indicate a sense of reservation or skepticism towards a particular idea or proposal.

Common Usage

This expression can be heard in various contexts, such as in personal relationships, business dealings, or decision-making processes. People may fight shy of taking risks, making commitments, or confronting difficult issues.

It can also be used to describe someone who is avoiding a specific person or group, perhaps due to a disagreement, conflict, or discomfort. In these cases, they are actively trying to keep their distance and avoid any potential confrontation.

Origin

The origin of the phrase can be traced back to the 18th century and is believed to have come from the literal meaning of shying away, like a horse shying from an object or obstacle. In this sense, to fight shy of something means to avoid it or be wary of it, just as a skittish horse might shy away from a new or unfamiliar object.

Overall, fight shy of is a versatile idiom that conveys a sense of caution, reluctance, or avoidance in various situations. It is used to describe the act of steering clear or keeping a safe distance from something or someone for a variety of reasons.

Fight shy of Examples

1. She always fights shy of public speaking, preferring to stay behind the scenes.
2. The company tends to fight shy of taking risks when it comes to investing in new technologies.
3. He fights shy of commitment, always hesitant to fully commit to a relationship.
4. The politician fights shy of addressing controversial topics, hoping to avoid negative backlash.
5. The team fights shy of confrontation, preferring to avoid conflicts whenever possible.
6. She fights shy of sharing her personal life on social media, feeling it's too invasive.
7. The student fights shy of asking questions in class, worried about looking foolish in front of peers.
8. He fights shy of asking for help, believing it shows weakness.
9. The actor fights shy of reprising a role, wanting to explore new characters instead.
10. The business owner fights shy of expanding into international markets, concerned about the potential risks involved.

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