on\ earth

on\ earth
• in the world
• 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.


Словарь американских идиом. — СПб., Изд-во "Лань". . 1997.

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