Shyness shown by potential substitute (7)
I believe the answer is:
reserve
This might be a double definition.
'shyness' is the first definition.
'potential substitute' is the second definition.
'reserve' can be an answer for 'substitute' (synonyms). I am not sure about the 'potential' bit.
'shown by' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for reserve that I've seen before include "Bank" , "Keep back - book" , "Conservation area" , "Wine kept" , "Modesty- store" .)