# woe to

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/woe-to
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Used to warn someone of trouble or danger if they carry out a certain risky action.

## Examples

- Woe to anyone who touches my lunch in the office fridge.
- The sign warned that woe to those who park in this spot, as their cars will be towed immediately.
- The ancient prophecy declared that woe to the kingdom that ignores the signs of the coming storm, for destruction will surely follow.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.