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# heaven forbid

exclamation (phrase: heaven forbid!; also «God forbid» — stronger, «heaven forbid that …»)

«heaven forbid» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (mild) I really hope this does not happen.
2. (sarcastic) used to mock someone's worry or rule: «Heaven forbid we should be late!»

### In the lessons

A softer version of «God forbid», used to express a strong wish that something bad won't happen; polite, all regions. Often used sarcastically in everyday talk.

### Examples

- If, heaven forbid, there's a fire, use the stairs, not the lift.
- Heaven forbid that anything should happen to the children.
- "Heaven forbid you tidy your own room!" Mum said sarcastically.
- Wear your helmet in case, heaven forbid, you fall.
- Heaven forbid we miss the start of the film!
- Heaven forbid I ever have to eat sprouts again.
- The teacher said, "If, heaven forbid, you lose your passport, call this number."
- Heaven forbid the shop runs out of chocolate.

### Note

Trap: not a real prayer; it shows a strong wish or sarcasm. Mild and polite. Plain meaning: «I hope not».