# why in God's name

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/why-in-gods-name
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- Why in God's name are you awake so early?
- The project was already finished, so why in God's name did you start it all over again?
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.