Woe betide somebody
phrase
This phrase is used to warn someone that they will be in trouble if they do something.
Woe betide you if you forget to bring your homework to school tomorrow.
Often appears as...
- woe betide you if
- woe betide him if
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
This phrase is used to warn someone that they will be in trouble if they do something.
Woe betide you if you forget to bring your homework to school tomorrow.
Often appears as...
- woe betide you if
- woe betide him if
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Archaic Warning
The phrase is old-fashioned and not commonly used in modern, casual conversation.
In tales, a witch might say, 'Woe betide the thief who steals my potion.'
Pro Tip 2/3Serious Tone
Typically conveys a serious or ominous warning of consequences.
Woe betide anyone who crosses the queen's orders.
Pro Tip 3/3Conditional Threat
The phrase is often used in conditional sentences to introduce the negative outcome.
Woe betide the team if they don't win the match; the fans will be furious.
Pro Tip 1/3Archaic Warning
The phrase is old-fashioned and not commonly used in modern, casual conversation.
In tales, a witch might say, 'Woe betide the thief who steals my potion.'
Pro Tip 2/3Serious Tone
Typically conveys a serious or ominous warning of consequences.
Woe betide anyone who crosses the queen's orders.
Pro Tip 3/3Conditional Threat
The phrase is often used in conditional sentences to introduce the negative outcome.
Woe betide the team if they don't win the match; the fans will be furious.
Pro Tip 1/3Archaic Warning
The phrase is old-fashioned and not commonly used in modern, casual conversation.
In tales, a witch might say, 'Woe betide the thief who steals my potion.'
Pro Tip 2/3Serious Tone
Typically conveys a serious or ominous warning of consequences.
Woe betide anyone who crosses the queen's orders.
Pro Tip 3/3Conditional Threat
The phrase is often used in conditional sentences to introduce the negative outcome.
Woe betide the team if they don't win the match; the fans will be furious.
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