The phrase "had a care" is used to express concern or caution in a situation. There are many synonyms that can be used instead of this phrase. Some of these include "worried," "apprehensive," "anxious," "fretful," "nervous," "uneasy," "distressed," "bothered," "troubled," "concerned," "attentive," "watchful," "vigilant," and "cautious." Each of these synonyms conveys a slightly different nuance of concern or caution, allowing writers and speakers to choose the word that best fits the situation. By using synonyms, we can express our thoughts and emotions more specifically, making our communication more effective.