Shying

Shying, in its various forms, describes the act of recoiling, flinching, or avoiding something due to fear, shyness, or distrust. It can manifest physically, emotionally, or metaphorically. It encompasses a range of behaviors from a horse's sudden jump at an unexpected object to a person's avoidance of a specific topic or a reluctance to take a risk. The core element remains a defensive reaction against a perceived threat or discomfort, representing a desire to protect oneself or maintain distance. The intensity of shying can vary from a subtle hesitation to a full-blown avoidance.

Shying meaning with examples

• The skittish horse, upon seeing a discarded newspaper blow across the path, gave a sudden shying leap, nearly unseating its rider. This instinctive response was a primal fear reaction, a protective measure against the perceived unknown object. The horse’s behavior exemplified a classic shying reaction to an unfamiliar stimulus.
• Sarah, who had a history of social anxiety, found herself shying away from the crowded party. She felt overwhelmed by the large group and quickly started to search for an exit. She was hesitant and reluctant to make eye contact or get close to anyone because of this deep fear.
• During the interview, the witness began shying from direct questions about the crime, offering vague answers and avoiding eye contact. This behavior suggested that he was intentionally hiding information, the act was a form of self-preservation or lack of trust for authority figures. The person was clearly uncomfortable.
• After his public failure, the entrepreneur started shying from all business ventures, choosing a safer and more predictable path, out of the embarrassment of failing. He preferred to stay away from uncertainty in the field of business. It seemed the fear of failure was too strong for him to cope.
• The politician, confronted with the accusations of corruption, began shying around the press, refusing to answer tough questions and evading public appearances. This form of hiding was obvious due to the lack of public response. The accusations proved too serious for the politician to engage openly.