Betide

/bɪˈtaɪd/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To happen or occur; to take place.

Whatever may betide, I will always stand by you.

To come to pass, usually with a connotation of an event or outcome.

They worried about what would betide them in the future.

To happen to or befall someone.

Many strange events betide those who venture into the old forest.

To be the cause or reason for a particular outcome.

He would often ponder the reasons that betide his misfortunes.

Middle English 'betiden', from the Old English 'betīdan', meaning to happen.

what may betide

what may happen in the future

betide one’s fate

to determine what will happen to someone

betide the worst

to expect or fear the worst outcome

befall

to happen or occur to someone, usually in a negative way

arise

to come into being or to become apparent

to face consequences

If you don't study for the exam, whatever may betide you!

to be inevitable

With that attitude, trouble is sure to betide.