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

The environment is simply too uncertain for anyone to conclude that they must buy stocks for fear of missing out.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Seeing few signs that the Iran conflict was nearing its conclusion, many investors appeared unwilling to carry risk into the weekend for fear of further escalation.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

Gen. Gholamreza Soleimani, it could lead top figures in the regime to keep a lower profile and cut back communications for fear of being targeted, rendering the country’s decision-making more difficult, she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

The women who contacted me would only talk about how they feel on the condition of anonymity, for fear of harsh judgement and because their families don't know.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

It would have to be someone quick and close-lipped, for once rumors of those foul-smelling, inedible loaves spread, no respectable baker would dare come to Ashton Place for fear of the dreaded “bakehouse curse.”

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood