hell on earth
A very unpleasant situation; torment, particularly when widespread.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Working in that noisy office felt like hell on earth.”
“The long flight was delayed for ten hours in a crowded terminal, which felt like absolute hell on earth.”
“Trapped in the trenches during the relentless winter storm, the soldiers described the experience as nothing short of hell on earth.”
- 01
all hell breaks loose
The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.
- 02
all over hell's half acre
All over the place; everywhere.
- 03
catch hell
To be severely reprimanded, punished, or beaten.
- 04
cold day in Hell
The time of occurrence of an event that will never happen.
- 05
come down to earth
To be brought back to reality; to emerge from a daydream.
- 06
come hell or high water
Regardless of the hardships; no matter what difficulties may arise.
- 07
cost the earth
To be a huge expense.
- 08
edge of the earth
A very remote place.
Last updated August 10, 2026