Coming up short is an expression that is used to describe a situation in which someone or something does not reach the desired goal or expectation. In this crossword, the solutions SHY and NEXT are related to this expression. SHY is a three-letter word that means timid or reserved, while NEXT is a four-letter word that means following or immediately after. Together, these two words can be interpreted to mean that someone or something is timidly coming up short of their desired goal or expectation.