on pain of

Idioms  

1. Also, under pain of. Subject to the penalty of a specific punishment. For example, The air traffic controllers knew that going on strike was on pain of losing their jobs. At one time this idiom often invoked death as the penalty, a usage that is largely hyperbolic today, as in We'd better be back on time, under pain of death. [Late 1300s]

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Example Sentences

As the encampments grew beyond the central city, the City Council passed an ordinance banning them near schools, parks and day-care centers on pain of ticketing.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2025

Thailand's lese-majeste law forbids anyone from insulting the monarchy on pain of harsh jail sentences.

From BBC • Sep. 26, 2023

"Judge Chutkan will probably have to impose a gag order forbidding them, on pain of going to jail – where Trump will likely wind up if the threats continue," he added.

From Salon • Aug. 7, 2023

Sprinklers or irrigation are both banned, on pain of fines of up to $1,000 per day.

From Washington Post • Aug. 4, 2021

Although there was always generosity in the Negro neighborhood, it was indulged on pain of sacrifice.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou