on earth
Idioms-
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]
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
And the data supports that shares are in bargain territory, even though the company is the largest on earth, with a market capitalization of $5.42 trillion.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 28, 2026
“I’m skeptical of putting my bills on autopay, why on earth would I trust a bot with my money? I’d rather know where my money goes and choose what to buy.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026
To attract patrons, the Los Angeles County Library turned to some of the most familiar faces on earth: Hello Kitty and her friends.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026
On social media, F1 fans also criticised access and the facilities, including having to sit on earth trackside, poor visibility, broken facilities and a general lack of readiness.
From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026
"What on earth are you talking about, Sam?"
From "All About Sam" by Lois Lowry
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
