Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
woe-betide-someone
idiomatic expression
/woʊ bɪˈtaɪd ˈsʌmwʌn/
Definition
A phrase expressing that someone will suffer misfortune or distress as a consequence of their actions or circumstances.
Examples
- “Woe betide anyone who disobeys the rules of the game.”
- “Woe betide him if he fails to complete the task on time.”
- “Woe betide those who take others for granted, for they may find themselves alone.”
Meaning
The expression implies a warning about impending trouble or hardship that will befall a person.
Synonyms
- beware of
- may suffer
- let one beware
