put the fear of God into

Idioms  

1. Terrify someone, as in The school counselor put the fear of God into the girls when she talked about AIDS. This phrase alludes to a time when most people had a mingled feeling of dread and reverence toward the deity. [Late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

Mr Jackson says they paid about £5,000 for a trust after a McClure representative "put the fear of God" into them, saying their son would have an inheritance bill to pay after they died, with a risk they could lose their home if they had to go into a care home.

From BBC

"It put the fear of God into me," Moore said, laughing.

From BBC

"It put the fear of God into me, but after reading about FIV I learned it needn't be a death sentence and that cats who have it can lead fairly normal lives if cared for properly," she said.

From BBC

Reddick, whose voice was well-trained, resonant and easy on the ear, didn’t have to get loud to put the fear of God into a character or viewer; you could sense well enough the roiling currents beneath a placid surface.

From Los Angeles Times

“Having thousands of nationalists come out for this rally will put the fear of god into the hearts and minds of our enemies,” Ray and Anglin wrote in one post, according to the lawsuit.

From Washington Times