The phrase "shied away" is commonly used to describe someone who avoids or retreats from something. Its spelling can be a bit tricky, but it is pronounced as /ʃaɪd əˈweɪ/. The first syllable is pronounced like "shy", followed by the sound of the letter "d". Then, the second syllable is pronounced simply as "away". The spelling may seem odd, as it does not follow traditional English pronunciation rules, but it is essential to mastering the language's many quirks and nuances.
The phrase "shied away" is an idiom with several meanings. In its literal sense, it refers to the act of a horse moving away suddenly or veering to one side due to fear or nervousness. However, in a figurative sense, "shied away" is used to describe human behavior or reactions.
To "shy away" means to withdraw or retreat from something, often due to fear, discomfort, or hesitation. It implies avoiding or avoiding dealing with a particular situation, topic, or responsibility. It can portray a tendency to back off from confrontation, challenge, or taking risks. This idiom can also convey a sense of relinquishing opportunities, shying away from commitments, or hesitating to speak up.
The phrase "shied away" suggests a lack of confidence, reluctance, or uneasiness in facing certain circumstances, either physically or emotionally. It can indicate a person's tendency to evade or shy away from situations that involve discomfort, fear of failure, or potential criticism. This idiom is commonly used to describe behavior characterized by hesitancy, withdrawal, or avoidance.
Overall, "shied away" describes the act of pulling back, retreating, or avoiding something due to fear, uneasiness, or lack of confidence. It exemplifies a disposition to avoid confrontation, challenges, or responsibilities, often resulting in missed opportunities or unexpressed ideas.
The word "shied away" consists of two parts.
1. "Shied": The word "shied" is the past tense and past participle of the verb "shy". It comes from the Old English word "scēoh", which means "to avoid or turn away from". In Old English, the word was often used to describe the action of horses suddenly moving to avoid something frightening or uncomfortable.
2. "Away": "Away" is an adverb that indicates movement or distance from a particular place or situation. It comes from the Old English word "aweg", which means "on" or "onward".
So, when combined, the term "shied away" implies the action of avoiding or turning away from something, often due to fear, discomfort, or hesitation.