put the fear of God into

Idioms

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]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Unlike their predecessor the New England Primer, which was designed to put the fear of God into children, the Readers were designed to be appealing to children, and incorporated helpful, clear illustrations.

From Slate • Aug. 17, 2020

“He knew all the arguments. He had the clout. He was the big gun. He put the fear of God into people.”

From Washington Post • Oct. 14, 2017

He'd put the fear of God into me with his stupid surprises.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2015

That is enough to put the fear of God into St. Peter's.

From Time • Feb. 14, 2013

Mameh doted on him, but Tateh put the fear of God into him.

From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023