on earth

1. Also, in creation ; in the world . Ever, anywhere, of all possible things. These phrases are all used for emphasis in questions or, less often, in a negative context. For example, What on earth is he doing with a spade? or Where in creation did that child go? or How in the world do you expect me to carry all those bags? [Late 1700s]

2. like nothing on earth . Incomparable. For example, That perfume smells like nothing on earth , or Her new hair color is like nothing on earth . [c. 1900]

Example Sentences

“I was like, how on earth are they going to bring this character into this world?”

From Los Angeles Times

Not only are we not the best nation on earth anymore, we might not be in the top 50 — unless we’re talking about defense spending.

From Salon

"He was one of the most powerful men in the most powerful country on earth and there was no way he'd lead me astray or lead me to do anything illegal, or so I thought."

From BBC

What has changed, Dr Roblin said, was the political landscape in the US which big pharma has to respond to, "because the US remains the largest market for pharmaceuticals on earth," he added.

From BBC

They care about eliminating one of the biggest teams on earth in a genuinely sensational cup tie.

From BBC