51Թ

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View synonyms for

betide

[ bih-tahyd ]

verb (used with object)

betided, betiding.
  1. to happen to; come to; befall:

    Woe betide the villain!



verb (used without object)

betided, betiding.
  1. to happen; come to pass:

    Whatever betides, maintain your courage.

betide

/ ɪˈٲɪ /

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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51Թ 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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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of betide1

C13: see be- , tide ²
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

A certain life was expected for you, and woe betide you if you went outside of that.

From

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

From

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

From

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

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

From

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