fear (redirected from fearing for)

fear for someone or something

to be afraid for the safety of someone or something; to worry about someone or something. I fear for Tom. He has gone to a very dangerous place. I don't want to go down that rocky trail. I fear for my car.

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

Prov. Foolish people usually do not understand when a situation is dangerous, so they are not afraid to do things that would frighten more sensible people. Alan: Bob is too scared to go in and confront the boss, so I'm going to. Jane: Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

See also: angel, Fool, rush, tread

for fear of something

out of fear for something; because of fear of something. He doesn't drive for fear of an accident. They lock their car doors for fear of being attacked.

He that is down need fear no fall.

Prov. If you have nothing, you cannot lose anything by taking a risk. Jim spent his last ten dollars on lottery tickets, figuring that he who is down need fear no fall.

See also: fall, need

in fear and trembling

Cliché with anxiety or fear; with dread. In fear and trembling, I went into the room to take the test. The witness left the courtroom in fear and trembling.

See also: and, tremble

never fear

do not worry; have confidence. I'll be there on time—never fear. I'll help you, never fear.

See also: never

put the fear of God in(to) someone

Fig. to frighten someone severely; [for something] to shock someone into contrite behavior. A near miss like that really puts the fear of God into you. Yes, it puts the fear of God in you.

See also: god, put

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be out of your mind with [boredom/fear/worry etc.]

to be extremely bored, frightened, worried etc. He was four hours late and I was out of my mind with worry.

See also: mind, out

No fear!  (British & Australian informal)

something that you say in order to emphasize that you do not want to do something 'So are you coming camping with us this weekend?' 'No fear! I hate camping!'

put the fear of God into somebody

to frighten someone very much What were you doing up on the roof? You put the fear of God into me!

See No fear!

See also: god, put

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fear the worst

to feel sure that what was least wanted has happened or will happen When the doctor called, she feared the worst.

See also: worst

put the fear of God into somebody

to frighten someone very much There's no question that this wrestler puts the fear of God into his opponents.

See also: god, put