ENGLISH
REFERENCE

why in God's name

idiom
Meaning

used to add emphasis to "why" when beginning question.


Examples
SIMPLE

Why in God's name are you awake so early?

CONTEXTUAL

The project was already finished, so why in God's name did you start it all over again?

COMPLEX

Given the clear warnings about the storm, one must wonder why in God's name the captain decided to set sail across the dangerous channel.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    big name

    A widely-known reputation, especially one that is favorable.

  2. 02

    bow down before the porcelain god

    Synonym of worship the porcelain god (“to vomit into a toilet bowl”).

  3. 03

    call someone every name in the book

    To call someone many abusive names.

  4. 04

    call someone everything but a child of God

    To call someone many abusive names.

  5. 05

    God forbid

    indicating that the occurrence of something is very undesirable

  6. 06

    God forfend

    Don't let it be.

  7. 07

    God is in the detail

    Expresses the idea that whatever one does should be done thoroughly; i.e. details are important.

  8. 08

    god that failed

    A notable let-down or flop; a concept, product, or person that has failed to live up to very high expectations.

Last updated July 12, 2026