Elizabeth I

My mortal foe can no ways wish me a greater harm than England's hate; neither should death be less welcome unto me than such a mishap betide me.

English Royalty

Jeff Beck

I cherish my privacy, and woe betide anyone who tries to interfere with that.

British Musician

Eugene Ionesco

Woe betide the man who refuses to conform.

French Dramatist

Betide often indicates a bad outcome or warning of negative consequences.

Negative Connotation

Betide sounds old-fashioned and is more common in literary or historical contexts.

Archaisms and Literature

'Woe betide' is a fixed expression often used to issue a stern warning.

Use with 'Woe'

 I'm as hard as iron plate, woe betide you if you're late when we have to push a boat out on the spring tide. Now you can die and hope for heaven, but you need to work your shift, and I'd expect you all to back us to the hilt, for if St. Peter at his gate were to ask you why you're late,