why on Earth
used to add emphasis to "why" when beginning a question.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Why on Earth are you still here?”
“The instructions were very clear, so why on Earth did you choose to ignore them?”
“Given the overwhelming evidence that the project was doomed to fail, one must ask why on Earth the board decided to approve it.”
- 01
come down to earth
To be brought back to reality; to emerge from a daydream.
- 02
cost the earth
To be a huge expense.
- 03
edge of the earth
A very remote place.
- 04
go to the ends of the earth
To do everything possible to achieve something.
- 05
God's green earth
The world.
- 06
green in earth
Of a deceased person, recently buried.
- 07
hell on earth
A very unpleasant situation; torment, particularly when widespread.
- 08
move heaven and earth
To do whatever is necessary, including extreme or unusual actions; to go to extremes.
Last updated August 10, 2026