More afraid than hurt.

A frightening experience has caused less injury or damage than the person expected. The fear was real, but the outcome was not as bad as it seemed it might be.

The saying shifts attention from the alarm of the moment to what happened afterward. It can offer reassurance without denying that the experience was upsetting.

Use this after a scare when it is clear that the person has suffered little harm, such as after a minor fall. Avoid saying it before the extent of any injury is known, or when reassurance would dismiss someone's distress.