Cryptic crossword clue
Shy criminal hit in bed, I admitted

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word INHIBITED

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Shy" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shy = inhibited.
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 INHIBITED mean?

INHIBITED verb
  1. To hold in or hold back; to keep in check; restrain.
  2. To recuse.
INHIBITED adjective
  1. (of a person) Reserved or repressed, prone to quiet, inexpressive behavior.

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