Quote:

Not so much "in fear of" as "for fear that." Or am I splitting hairs?



No, that is much better. It should work like substitution in algebra. Observe:

Avoid the whirlpool, lest ye may drown.
Avoid the whirlpool, in fear of ye may drown.
Avoid the whirlpool, for fear that ye may drown.
They avoided the whirlpool, lest drowning.