Hey there! I will try to explain the difference to you here: First of all, you should know that 'avoid' means the same as 'steer clear of'. So, you might get this idea in these examples below: 1) ''I tend to avoid crowded places! You know, I feel like I'm getting suffocated!'' 2) ''Our mom always says that we should steer clear of strange people while walking on the street! We are not allowed to get close, let alone talk to them!'' *As to the expression 'shy away from', it is used in the sense of 'evade' or 'keep away from (something or someone)'. So, you might say like this: 1) ''I tried to shy away from her all day''. 2) ''You may shy away from questions concerning your private life''. *It is more commonly used when it comes to shyness or some kind of stealth or reticence. Hope that helps!

Avoid = steer clear of. shy away from = avoid because of reticence or timidity