God forbid

Idioms  

1. Also, heaven forbid. May God prevent something from happening or being the case. For example, God forbid that they actually encounter a bear, or Heaven forbid that the tornado pulls off the roof. This term, in which heaven also stands for “God,” does not necessarily imply a belief in God's direct intervention but merely expresses a strong wish. [c. 1225] For a synonym, see perish the thought.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

God forbid

Fakhreddine said they "stored some food supplies and diesel fuel for electricity generators, as a precaution in case, God forbid, the war returns again."

From Barron's ● Apr. 21, 2026

Few people would want to look for a new place in their 70s or, God forbid, 80s.

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 12, 2026

"It could be your mother, it could be your sibling, God forbid it could be your kid who one day needs this," she said.

From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2025

Wheezy if, God forbid, the pop star has been stricken with a laryngeal malady?

From Salon ● Aug. 20, 2025

I slunk to Mr. Gunthrie’s room, hoping I wouldn’t meet Cliff or Celia or, God forbid, Miles on my way.

From "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia