put the fear of God into (someone)
phrase
: to frighten (someone) very badly
The bad economic news has put the fear of God into investors.
Cite this Entry
“Put the fear of God into (someone).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/put%20the%20fear%20of%20God%20into%20%28someone%29. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
