Betide
verb
To happen to someone or something, especially something bad.
Woe betide anyone who gets in her way.
Often appears as...
- woe betide anyone
- woe betide him
verb
To happen to someone or something, especially something bad.
Woe betide anyone who gets in her way.
Often appears as...
- woe betide anyone
- woe betide him
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Betide often indicates a bad outcome or warning of negative consequences.
You didn't finish your report? Woe betide you when the boss finds out!
Pro Tip 2/3Archaisms and Literature
Betide sounds old-fashioned and is more common in literary or historical contexts.
Betide those who cross the threshold of the cursed tomb!
Pro Tip 3/3Use with 'Woe'
'Woe betide' is a fixed expression often used to issue a stern warning.
Woe betide the student who forgets their homework.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Betide often indicates a bad outcome or warning of negative consequences.
You didn't finish your report? Woe betide you when the boss finds out!
Pro Tip 2/3Archaisms and Literature
Betide sounds old-fashioned and is more common in literary or historical contexts.
Betide those who cross the threshold of the cursed tomb!
Pro Tip 3/3Use with 'Woe'
'Woe betide' is a fixed expression often used to issue a stern warning.
Woe betide the student who forgets their homework.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Betide often indicates a bad outcome or warning of negative consequences.
You didn't finish your report? Woe betide you when the boss finds out!
Pro Tip 2/3Archaisms and Literature
Betide sounds old-fashioned and is more common in literary or historical contexts.
Betide those who cross the threshold of the cursed tomb!
Pro Tip 3/3Use with 'Woe'
'Woe betide' is a fixed expression often used to issue a stern warning.
Woe betide the student who forgets their homework.
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Video examples
Sting: How I started...
I'm as hard as iron plate, woe betide you if you're late when we have to push a boat out on the spring tide. Now you can die and hope for heaven, but you need to work your shift, and I'd expect you all to back us to the hilt, for if St. Peter at his gate were to ask you why you're late,
Video examples
Sting: How I started...
I'm as hard as iron plate, woe betide you if you're late when we have to push a boat out on the spring tide. Now you can die and hope for heaven, but you need to work your shift, and I'd expect you all to back us to the hilt, for if St. Peter at his gate were to ask you why you're late,
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Elizabeth I
English Royalty
My mortal foe can no ways wish me a greater harm than England's hate; neither should death be less welcome unto me than such a mishap betide me.
Quote examples
Jeff Beck
British Musician
I cherish my privacy, and woe betide anyone who tries to interfere with that.
Quote examples
Eugene Ionesco
French Dramatist
Woe betide the man who refuses to conform.
Quote examples
Elizabeth I
English Royalty
My mortal foe can no ways wish me a greater harm than England's hate; neither should death be less welcome unto me than such a mishap betide me.
Quote examples
Jeff Beck
British Musician
I cherish my privacy, and woe betide anyone who tries to interfere with that.
Quote examples
Eugene Ionesco
French Dramatist
Woe betide the man who refuses to conform.
Example 1 of 3
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