a flicker of fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a flicker of fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or momentary feeling of fear that someone experiences in a situation. Example: "As she entered the dark room, she felt a flicker of fear, but she quickly pushed it aside and continued forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The judge, Mr Justice Saunders, was outstanding – clever, considerate, surprisingly funny, displaying never a flicker of fear or favour towards the ambassadors of the power elite who sat before him in the dock.

The Guardian

A flicker of fear for the unknown future darkens my thoughts, just for a heartbeat.

Huffington Post

"I've only seen a flicker of fear on [Dunham's] face a few times, and it is when she, like so many of you, has been made to feel afraid of what endometriosis could mean for her life," Williams said.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A sandal is wielded, and a crucifix; at the sight of it, Fritz admits, "an undeniable fear was rising in me," and we sense a flicker of the old belief that cats are the proper companion of witches, or worse.

The New Yorker

Cindy McCain gave a flicker of a smirk.

The New Yorker

Was that a flicker of sadness?

The Washington Post

Yes, he said, with a flicker (just a flicker) of excitement — did I know it?

The New Yorker

I catch a flicker of a grin.

The New York Times - Health

But there's a flicker of hope.

The Guardian

There was a flicker of recognition.

The Guardian

There's a flicker of grey tongue".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a flicker of fear" to describe a brief, often subconscious, experience of fear. It's suitable when the character or subject quickly overcomes or suppresses the feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "a flicker of fear" when describing situations that warrant a stronger emotional response. It may downplay the severity of the situation if the character should be feeling significant terror.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flicker of fear" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb (e.g., "felt a flicker of fear") or as a complement. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a flicker of fear" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to describe a brief, subtle experience of fear. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to portray a fleeting moment of anxiety or apprehension. While alternatives like "a hint of fear" or "a trace of fear" offer similar meanings, "a flicker of fear" specifically emphasizes the transient nature of the emotion. Effective writing involves recognizing that this phrase is best suited for depicting momentary, quickly suppressed feelings, and should be avoided when portraying intense terror. The phrase frequency is rare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of fear

Replaces "flicker" with "hint", suggesting a subtle indication of fear.

a trace of fear

Substitutes "flicker" with "trace", implying a minimal amount of fear visible.

a glimmer of fear

Uses "glimmer" instead of "flicker", indicating a brief, unsteady light or sign of fear.

a shadow of fear

Employs "shadow" to suggest a fleeting and less defined presence of fear.

a surge of fear

Replaces "flicker" with "surge", highlighting the sudden and powerful aspect of the feeling.

a momentary fear

Focuses on the brief duration of the fear, rather than its intensity.

a fleeting fear

Highlights how quickly the fear appears and disappears.

a quick flash of fear

Emphasizes the sudden and brief appearance of fear.

a sudden apprehension

Substitutes "fear" with "apprehension", suggesting a more anticipatory or anxious feeling.

a passing anxiety

Uses "anxiety" to convey a feeling of worry, emphasizing its temporary nature.

FAQs

How can I use "a flicker of fear" in a sentence?

You can use "a flicker of fear" to describe a brief or momentary feeling of fear, such as "As she walked through the dark alley, she felt "a flicker of fear" before steeling her nerves."

What phrases are similar to "a flicker of fear"?

Similar phrases include "a hint of fear", "a trace of fear", or "a glimmer of fear". They all suggest a small or brief sensation of fear.

Is it appropriate to use "a flicker of fear" in formal writing?

Yes, "a flicker of fear" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a character's subtle emotional response. It's also suitable for more neutral or descriptive contexts.

What's the difference between "a flicker of fear" and "a wave of fear"?

"A flicker of fear" describes a brief, almost imperceptible sensation, while "a wave of fear" suggests a more intense and overwhelming experience. The choice depends on the intensity of the fear you wish to convey.