Yet most people are secretly afraid of it, and will do nearly anything to avoid it.

Once actively in, he could not withdraw, and he was secretly afraid of Lee Fox.

In fact each boy was secretly afraid of him.

She hadn't bothered to measure it, secretly afraid that if it was too big we would chicken out.

Torn was married to a nice, bright, cheerful girl, very energetic and practical, of whom Frank was secretly afraid.

Although a notice inside clearly stated its capacity to carry three persons, he was secretly afraid that it would be inadequate to bear his vast bulk.

She lives for her daughters, but is secretly afraid of other relationships, preferring to flee rather than settle down and face the possibility of rejection.

She wasn't going mad, nor was she secretly afraid that she might become so.

Some patrons seemed secretly afraid to be there, although the root of their fear was not easily determined.

I thought perhaps you were secretly afraid of settling again.