for fear of crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "for fear of crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LEST: A conjunction meaning 'in order to prevent something undesirable from happening,' often used in formal or older contexts, directly matching the sentiment of 'for fear of'.
6 Letters
AFRAID: Feeling fear; frightened or worried. While 'lest' is a direct conjunction, 'afraid' describes the state of being in fear, which is the underlying emotion of the clue.
More About "for fear of crossword clue"
The phrase "for fear of" is a common idiomatic expression that denotes an action taken to prevent a feared or undesirable outcome. In crossword puzzles, such clues often test a solver's knowledge of precise synonyms, conjunctions, or expressions of apprehension.
Understanding the nuance of "for fear of" is key. It's not just about being scared, but about acting (or refraining from acting) because of that fear. This distinction often leads to specific answers like "lest," which serves as a conjunction indicating a preventative measure, or words that directly describe the state of being fearful, such as "afraid" or "dread."
Crossword setters love to use such phrases to introduce a bit of ambiguity, pushing solvers to think beyond simple one-word synonyms. Always consider the context within the broader puzzle, as other solved clues can often provide letters that narrow down the possibilities for these tricky, phrase-based clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Function: Determine if the clue (like "for fear of") is looking for a noun, verb, adjective, or, as in this case, a conjunction or a state of being. This helps narrow down possible word types.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think about words that mean the same or the opposite. Sometimes, a clue is a reverse definition, or a common antonym fits where a direct synonym doesn't.
- Check Letter Counts Carefully: Always double-check the given letter count against your proposed answer. Even if a word seems perfect, an incorrect length means it's wrong.
- Think About Homophones and Puns: Many clues play on words that sound alike (homophones) or use puns. "For fear of" could, in a cryptic crossword, hint at something sounding like "fore."
- Use Cross-References: If you've filled in some letters from intersecting words, use those letters to help you deduce the correct answer for the tricky "for fear of" clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'for fear of' typically imply in a crossword clue?
'For fear of' in a crossword clue typically implies a precautionary measure or a state of being anxious about a potential negative outcome. It often points to conjunctions like 'lest' or words describing the emotion itself, like 'afraid' or 'dread'.
Are there other common phrases similar to 'for fear of' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, clues like 'dreading', 'to avoid', 'worried about', or 'apprehensive' can lead to similar answers. Always consider the precise nuance of the clue and the number of letters required.
How can I quickly identify answers for clues expressing caution or apprehension?
Look for words that convey prevention (lest), an emotional state (afraid, worried), or a negative outlook (pessimistic). Contextual clues from surrounding words in the puzzle can also provide valuable hints, especially for idiomatic phrases.