shy away from
Instinctively pull back
To shy away from something is to avoid or recoil from it, typically out of fear, discomfort, or reluctance.
The image is of a horse shying—startling backward from something alarming.
People shy away from confrontation, difficult topics, or commitments: She shied away from discussing her past.
The phrase suggests instinctive avoidance rather than deliberate refusal.
- shrinkDecrease in size
- hesitatePause in uncertainty
- flinchInvoluntary retreat from threat
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- pull backTo retreat or disengage
sidestep · steer clear · duck · balk · avoid · back off · evade · shun · retreat · avert · draw back · dodge · think twice · keep at arm's length · hold back · withdraw · wince · squeamish