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 ))

Word History and Origins

Origin of betide¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of betide¹

C13: see be- , tide ²

Example Sentences

And woe betide any member of the cabinet who upset his mistress.

From BBC

Woe betide the conductor if he comes in too early after the ballerina’s pirouettes.

From New York Times

Woe betide the grounds passholder who shows up at the “wrong” entrance; you may be made to walk several blocks, though several on Monday attempted to argue with U.N. police.

From Seattle Times

"Woe betide you if you were a preacher and you misquoted," Lord Sentamu says.

From BBC

Woe betide the civic leader in a company town who threatens to buck the company’s interests.

From Los Angeles Times