for fear of

Idioms  

1. Also, for fear that. In order to avoid or prevent, in case of. For example, They closed all the windows for fear of rain. The variant is always used before a clause, as in She wouldn't let her children climb trees for fear that they would fall. The first term dates from the late 1400s, the second from about 1600.

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Example Sentences

Like all Afghan nationals AFP spoke to for this story, Maryam did not want to be identified for fear of angering US immigration authorities.

From Barron's

Viktoria, who we met in Lviv, still cannot talk about her husband's death publicly for fear of condemnation.

From BBC

The day laborer center is more than just a workplace, said Jose, who asked to withhold his last name for fear of retaliation by immigration agents.

From Los Angeles Times

“This is just so common out there, but people don’t really talk about it. Especially parents, for fear of being judged.”

From Los Angeles Times

"They make it seem like a dream job, but 100 euros to keep watch from 10 am to midnight at an hourly rate, that's exploitation," said a community activist who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal.

From Barron's