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

But the state laws and the NLRB’s ruling make the same distinctions between meetings at which attendance is voluntary, and those that workers are required to attend on pain of discipline.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2025

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

From BBC • Sep. 26, 2023

No more rules-evolving, geometrically impossible positioning of heads on tackles, on pain of penalty or disqualification or fine or suspension.

From Salon • Jan. 14, 2023

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

From Washington Post • Aug. 4, 2021

Then he warned her solemnly not to be persuaded by anyone to try to see him, on pain of being separated from him forever.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton