shy away
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle away
Meanings
Avoid doing something because of nervousness or fear
Why “away”? You move away from where you were until you are out of reach.
“He shies away from conflict.”
“She shies away from public speaking.”
Test yourself
“He shies away from conflict.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
back away
Same away pattern: leaving
Move away or distance yourself, often from fear or caution
break away
Same away pattern: leaving
Escape from someone holding you; Leave a group to form a separate one; Pull ahead of others in a race
call away
Same away pattern: leaving
Be required to leave because of an urgent matter
chase away
Same away pattern: leaving
Force someone or something to leave by chasing
come away
Same away pattern: leaving
Leave a place with a particular feeling or impression
drag away
Same away pattern: leaving
Force someone to leave a place reluctantly
draw away
Same away pattern: leaving
Move ahead of competitors by extending the lead
drive away
Same away pattern: leaving
Leave by car; Force someone to leave or stay away
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