gunshy

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Afraid to use a gun.

2. 2

   Frightened by the sound of gunfire.

   • But very few dogs become gunshy if they are introduced to the bang while they are overcome with the delight of chasing game, particularly if the trainer begins with a light noise and works up to louder noises in easy stages
3. 3

   Fearing the consequences of repeating an act, especially after being reprimanded.

   • After his last suggestion was laughed at by his colleagues, he was gunshy about making another suggestion.
   • However, some people are gun-shy about like and engage in the hoity toity lingo that's called “hypercorrection.”
   • You're gun shy / So am I / I understand with what you've been through

The neighborhood

• neighboronce bitten, twice shy