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In nervous state, throw coconut perhaps at head (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shyness

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'in nervous state throw coconut' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

'perhaps at head' is the wordplay.
'perhaps' becomes 'shy' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'at' says to put letters next to each other.
'head' becomes 'ness' (ness is a headland).
'shy'+'ness'='SHYNESS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for shyness that I've seen before include "Diffidence" , "Modesty, reticence" , "Timidity in company" , "Retiring quality" , "Nervousness, timidity" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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