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

Many people spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal from the administration.

From Salon • Jun. 23, 2026

Magos of Traffix said intermodal shipping is especially in demand for moving goods across the U.S.-Mexico border as some truck drivers avoid the route for fear of getting swept up in U.S. immigration enforcement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

For Jem, it is not just about class, comfort or gender inequality – he thinks schools stick to what they know for fear of change.

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2026

Armin asked The Times not to fully identify for fear of jeopardizing his immigration case.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

All the way through she sang, while I stared straight ahead, not daring to turn around for fear of breaking the spell.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom