Some people just want to watch the world burn.
watch the world burn
idiomTo watch the chaos, pain or death that results from the actions of others or oneself with an attitude of detachment or indifference.
Origin
first recorded 21st c.Popularized by a quote from The Dark Knight (2008), from a character who explains about the motives of criminals such as the Joker.
He ignored the consequences of his reckless decisions, as if he simply wanted to watch the world burn.
The villain sat in his high tower, observing the chaos below with a cold, detached desire to watch the world burn.
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all over the world
throughout the world, everywhere, worldwide, globally.
- 02
best of both worlds
A combination of two seemingly contradictory benefits.
- 03
burn a hole in someone's pocket
To cause someone to spend money or be tempted to spend money.
- 04
burn bread
To cause something unfortunate to happen to (someone) by mentioning it; to jinx something for (someone).
- 05
burn daylight
To waste time.
- 06
burn one's bridges
To destroy one's path, connections, reputation, opportunities, etc., particularly intentionally.
- 07
burn one's fingers
To harm oneself; to suffer consequences of one's actions.
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burn out
To make (someone) unavailable for work involving exposure to ionizing radiation by employing (the person) in such work until the person's accumulated exposure reaches the maximum permitted for an administrative period, typically a year.
Last updated April 17, 2026