The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word RECOIL
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
R
E
C
O
I
L
More clues leading to the result RECOIL
- Start back in ground that has buried “liquid gold”
- Stagger back from park with painting
- Shrink back in horror on meeting snake
- Shy away from greasy stuff found under playground
- Wind after winter, therefore, ends: spring back
- Wind up again and spring back
- Wind up again, with kick in the arm?
- Start back having contraceptive on order regularly
- Stagger back from Red Cow ill, repeating “one too many”
- Start to find “black gold” under playing field
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "shy away from" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shy away from = recoil.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does RECOIL mean?
RECOIL noun- A starting or falling back; a rebound; a shrinking.
- The state or condition of having recoiled.
- The energy transmitted back to the shooter from a firearm which has fired. Recoil is a function of the weight of the weapon, the weight of the projectile, and the speed at which it leaves the muzzle.
- An escapement in which, after each beat, the scape-wheel recoils slightly.
- To pull back, especially in disgust, horror or astonishment.
- To retreat before an opponent.
- To retire, withdraw.
- (of a firearm) To quickly push back when fired