in the world

in the world
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?

* * *
or[on earth] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Of all possible things; ever. - Usually used for emphasis after words that ask questions, as "who", "why", "what", etc. * /Where in the world did you find that necktie?/ * /The boys wondered how on earth the mouse got out of the cage./ * /Betty could not understand what on earth the teacher meant./

Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.

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