on earth

on earth
on earth & in creation & in the world
Fig. really; indeed; in fact. (Used as an intensifier after

who, what, when, where, how.

) •

What on earth do you mean?

How in creation do you expect me to do that?

Who in the world do you think you are?

* * *
See: IN THE WORLD.

Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.

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