Phrase guide

perish the thought

phrase · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

phrase

Meaning 1

May the thought perish; said of an idea or suggestion that is deeply undesirable.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Equivalent to "[may] the thought perish", with the verb in the subjunctive mood followed by its subject.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Spanish: dios nos libre — Translations
  • Spanish: nunca se vio posible — Translations