Heaven forbid Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhɛvən/ /fɝˈbɪd/, /fɔˈbɪd

HEV-un fer-BID, faw-BID

UK

hˈɛvən/ /fəbˈɪd

HEV-uhn fuh-BID

Definition

An expression used to hope that something bad will not happen, or to show that you really do not want a certain situation.

Usage & Nuances

Formal or semi-formal; somewhat dramatic or old-fashioned, but still used for emphasis or humor. Use when you strongly wish something bad won't happen. Usually stands alone or at the start of a sentence. Not used for small or trivial matters.

• Spanish: Dios no lo quiera - ojalá que no
• Portuguese (BR): Deus me livre - tomara que não
• Portuguese (PT): Deus me livre - esperemos que não
• Chinese (Simplified): 老天保佑不要这样 - 但愿不会
• Chinese (Traditional): 老天保佑不要這樣 - 但願不會
• Hindi: भगवान न करे - खुदा न करे
• Arabic: لا قدّر الله - أعوذ بالله
• Bengali: ভগবান না করুন - ঈশ্বর না করুন
• Russian: не дай Бог
• Japanese: そんなことはあってはならない - 神様、やめてください
• Vietnamese: trời cấm - cầu trời đừng để
• Korean: 제발 그런 일이 없길 - 하늘이시여 안 됩니다
• Turkish: Allah korusun - Tanrı korusun
• Urdu: خدا نہ کرے
• Indonesian: jangan sampai - mudah-mudahan tidak

Example Sentences

Heaven forbid that anyone gets hurt in the accident.

basic

If I forgot my keys, heaven forbid!

basic

Heaven forbid that this problem happens again.

basic

Heaven forbid you lose all your photos! Back them up now.

natural

She said, 'Heaven forbid, what if the power goes out during the exam?'

natural

Heaven forbid we ever get a boss like that again.

natural