put the fear of God in (one)

put the fear of God in (one)

To cause one to greatly fear the potential consequences of something, such as misbehavior, typically by threats or a graphic description of such consequences. Our chemistry teacher has put the fear of God in us about fooling around near the chemicals and acids. Nearly getting hit by that car really put the fear of God in me—I'll never drive when I'm so tired ever again!
See also: fear, god, of, put
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

put the fear of God in(to) someone

Fig. to frighten someone severely; [for something] to shock someone into contrite behavior. A near miss like that really puts the fear of God into you. Yes, it puts the fear of God in you.
See also: fear, god, of, put
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

put the fear of God into

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]
See also: fear, god, of, put
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

put the fear of God in (or into) someone

cause someone to be very frightened.
See also: fear, god, of, put, someone
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
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  • more like
  • more like (something)
  • answer to the description (of)
  • answer to the description of