Perish the thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Perish the thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express strong disapproval or rejection of an idea or suggestion that is considered undesirable or unacceptable. Example: "I would never betray my friends. Perish the thought!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Perish the thought," Susan said.

The New Yorker

Perish the thought, Mr. Bandier says.

The New York Times

Perish the thought – says JP Morgan.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perish the thought, the New York archdiocese says.

The New York Times

Perish the thought, says a man in the chief rabbinate.

The Economist

Perish the thought that he would show it though.

Independent

Perish the thought that Verhoeven's a safe pair of hands.

The Guardian - Film

Perish the thought -these are just explanatory photos of extramural culinary procedures Restaurant food?

Independent

Perish the thought and shame on silly researchers like Mr. Phaup for even considering such possibilities.

The New York Times

Perish the thought that such products should be marketed as girly "makeup".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Perish the thought: people involved in politics actually trying to improve peoples' lives".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Perish the thought" to emphatically reject an idea or suggestion that you find undesirable. It adds a touch of formality and drama to your response.

Common error

Avoid using "Perish the thought" too frequently, as it can sound overly theatrical or insincere. Reserve it for situations where you genuinely want to express strong aversion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Perish the thought" is that of an idiomatic expression used to convey a strong aversion to a particular idea or possibility. As Ludwig AI states, it's used to express strong disapproval or rejection of an idea or suggestion which is undesirable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Perish the thought" is an idiomatic expression used to strongly reject an idea or express the hope that something undesirable will not happen. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, it is perceived as neutral in register with a touch of formality. While effective, overuse can diminish its impact. Alternatives such as "God forbid" or "absolutely not" can provide variety. This guide provides a thorough understanding of its usage, context, and potential pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

God forbid

A more religiously connotated expression indicating a strong desire to avoid something.

Heaven forbid

Similar to 'God forbid', but may be used in a slightly less religious context.

Far be it from me

Indicates reluctance or aversion to doing something, close to wishing a scenario doesn't occur.

Absolutely not

A direct and forceful way to reject an idea.

Out of the question

Indicates that something is not a possibility or acceptable.

Not on your life

An emphatic refusal or rejection.

No way

An informal but firm refusal.

Never

Simple and direct way to decline an idea.

I hope not

Expresses a wish that something will not happen.

Let's hope not

Similar to 'I hope not', but includes others in the sentiment.

FAQs

How can I use "Perish the thought" in a sentence?

"Perish the thought" is typically used as a standalone phrase to express a strong hope that something will not happen or to reject an undesirable suggestion. For example, "I would never betray my friends. Perish the thought!"

What does "Perish the thought" mean?

The phrase "Perish the thought" expresses a strong wish that something will not happen or a firm rejection of an undesirable idea. It implies that the idea is so unacceptable that it should be eliminated.

What can I say instead of "Perish the thought"?

You can use alternatives like "God forbid", "Heaven forbid", or "absolutely not" depending on the context.

Is "Perish the thought" formal or informal?

"Perish the thought" leans towards the formal side, adding a touch of drama to your expression. It's suitable for both writing and speaking, though it's often perceived as slightly theatrical.