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View synonyms for betide

betide

[ bih-tahyd ]

verb (used with object)

, be·tid·ed, be·tid·ing.
  1. to happen to; come to; befall:

    Woe betide the villain!



verb (used without object)

, be·tid·ed, be·tid·ing.
  1. to happen; come to pass:

    Whatever betides, maintain your courage.

betide

/ bɪˈtaɪd /

verb

  1. to happen or happen to; befall (often in the phrase woe betide ( someone ))
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of betide1

First recorded in 1125–75, betide is from the Middle English word betiden. See be-, tide 2
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Word History and Origins

Origin of betide1

C13: see be- , tide ²
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Example Sentences

(and, of course, woe betide any who might venture the opinion that, hey, maybe not).

Woe betide those on the losing side of a major political fight in most Arab states.

If Gaddafi retains power in Libya, then woe betide those who have fought his rule.

It may well betide that you shall come to beg upon your knees for this alliance with a man whom you tell me that you hate.

Her soul was numb, her courage seemed dead, and little care had she in that hour of what might betide her now.

But off the stage, woe betide us both, I should lose all my advantages.

He was always for bold attack, and would be ready on the morrow, we did not doubt, for whatever might betide.

The whirlies tracked about in a most irregular manner and woe betide any light object which came in their path.

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Bethune, Mary McLeodbetimes