why in the world
used to add emphasis to “why” in a question.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Why in the world are you wearing a coat today?”
“The store is closed on a Tuesday, so why in the world would they schedule the delivery for today?”
“Given the overwhelming evidence that the project would fail, one must ask why in the world the committee chose to approve it.”
- 01
all over the world
throughout the world, everywhere, worldwide, globally.
- 02
best of both worlds
A combination of two seemingly contradictory benefits.
- 03
come into the world
To be born.
- 04
coming into the world
The act of being born; a birth.
- 05
dead to the world
Sound asleep.
- 06
edge of the world
A very remote place.
- 07
end of the world
Any change that seems catastrophic or devastating.
- 08
for all the world to see
in plain view; clearly visible
Last updated August 10, 2026