Yes it is a cliche/trope/idiom. Surely the embeddings etc. can “get that” about the word “afraid”. But what is really missing is the empathy for the question.

Yes it is a cliche/trope/idiom. Surely the embeddings etc. can “get that” about the word “afraid”. But what is really missing is the empathy for the question. The question implies ESL and it didn’t get that. But honestly would the average HN replier get it? You probably need chatgpt to ask more clarifying questions.