in the world

by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates

[in the world] 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./

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	earth ²¹ emphasis ³⁴ world ¹²¹ {adv. phr.} ⁵⁸³ {informal} ¹⁴⁰¹

Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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	earth [earth] See: COME BACK TO EARTH or COME DOWN TO EARTH, DOWN-TO-EARTH, IN THE WORLD ... A Dictionary of American Idioms come back to earth [come back to earth] or [come down to earth] {v. phr.} To return to the ... A Dictionary of American Idioms under the sun [under the sun] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} On earth; in the world. - Used for ... A Dictionary of American Idioms world [world] See: COME UP IN THE WORLD or RISE IN THE WORLD, DEAD TO THE ... A Dictionary of American Idioms down-to-earth [down-to-earth] {adj.} Showing good sense; practical. * /The committee's first plan for the party was ... A Dictionary of American Idioms on earth [on earth] See: IN THE WORLD. A Dictionary of American Idioms salt of the earth [salt of the earth] {n. phr.}, {informal} One who helps to make society good and ... A Dictionary of American Idioms

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