The phrase "terrible beauty" is a way to describe something that is both awe-inspiring and frightening at the same time. It represents the combination of great beauty and something that can cause fear or unease. Full definition
And years later, when I began to study the kaleidoscope of womanhood in Scripture, and experience the freedom of Christ with the broad gorgeousness of the church, culture, and terrible beauty in the world, I began understand that words, so easily tossed around, matter. (sarahbessey.com)
Powell gives the scene terrible beauty — the wind whips the cabin, the fire flickers around his face, the clouds have a texture so palpable they look like you could step out into the sky and walk to heaven on them — and an emotional power to match. (seanax.com)
Garland, one of the smartest directors making speculative fiction films today, fills his screen with terrible beauty. (metroactive.com)