English

Interjection

no fear

1. Don't worry, no worries.
   • Mary Austin (1918) The Trail Book: “"No fear," he said. "Every man will know his own when I come to the Council."”
2. (Britain, dated) No way; absolutely not.
   • M. R. James (1904) Ghost Stories of an Antiquary: “"Why, did you show him up some rot?"
     "No fear," he said.”
   • Dorothy L. Sayers (1947) Creed or Chaos: “Q: Will thou be baptized in this faith?
     A: No fear!”
   • 1992, The Animals of Farthing Wood, episode 2

     Toad: You should take up swimming!

     Rabbit: No fear, toad!

Usage notes

The two senses of the phrase are more or less antonymic: one can express a desire for something to proceed, while the other usually expresses a desire for something not to proceed. Since the phrase is a contranym, care should be taken to avoid ambiguity or confusion.

Translations