fight shy of something/of doing something

fight shy of (someone or something)

To try to avoid confronting or encountering someone or something. I'm naturally a peacemaker, so I always fight shy of tension.
See also: fight, of, shy
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

fight shy of

Avoid meeting or confronting someone, as in "I have ... had to fight shy of invitations that would exhaust time and spirits" (Washington Irving, Life and Letters, 1821). This usage may allude to a military reluctance to meet or engage with the enemy. [Late 1700s]
See also: fight, of, shy
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

fight shy of

be unwilling to undertake or become involved with.
1992 Farmers Guardian Welsh companies often fight shy of dealing with the big multiples.
See also: fight, of, shy
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

fight ˈshy of something/of doing something

avoid something or doing something; not want to do something: I tend to fight shy of getting involved in protests, but in this case I feel very strongly that we should complain.
See also: fight, of, shy, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

fight shy of

To avoid meeting or confronting.
See also: fight, of, shy
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • fight shy of
  • fight shy of (someone or something)
  • could fight a circle-saw
  • could fight a circle-saw (and it a runnin')
  • fight for
  • fight for (someone or something)
  • fight
  • fight (one's way) through
  • fight through
  • spoil for