To "fight shy of something" means to be cautious, hesitant, or reluctant to engage with or involve oneself in a particular situation, activity, or task. It implies a conscious decision to avoid or stay away from something due to apprehension, fear, or unease.
This expression often suggests a sense of wariness or suspicion towards the subject at hand, as if perceiving it as potentially dangerous, risky, or undesirable. When an individual fights shy of something, they exhibit a reluctance to fully commit or participate, often displaying a preference for maintaining distance or observing from afar.
"Fighting shy of something" can also carry connotations of being apprehensive about expressing opinions, sharing personal information, or participating in potentially confrontational or controversial discussions, as the individual might fear criticism, rejection, or conflict.
The phrase can be used both in literal and figurative contexts. For example, someone might fight shy of a particular location or activity due to safety concerns, while in a figurative sense, an individual might fight shy of making commitments in relationships or hesitate to take on additional responsibilities at work.
Overall, "fighting shy of something" denotes a conscious decision to show caution and reluctance, often stemming from a fear of negative consequences or potential harm.
