From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishwoe betide somebodywoe betide somebodyPROBLEMused to say that someone will be in trouble if they do something – often humorous Woe betide anyone who wakes the baby! → betidewoe betide somebodywoe betide somebodyBritish EnglishWARNTHREATEN used to warn someone that there will be trouble if they do something – especially used humorously Woe betide anyone who smokes in our house! → woe
