in the world

English

in the world

(idiomatic) Expletive used for emphasis, for example after an interrogative word.
What in the world was that?
Who in the world would want to do that?
- 2012 April 29, Nathan Rabin, “TV: Review: THE SIMPSONS (CLASSIC): “Treehouse of Horror III” (season 4, episode 5; originally aired 10/29/1992)”, in AV Club‎:
  Writing a “Treehouse Of Horror”segment has to be both exhilarating and daunting. It’s exhilarating because it affords writers all the freedom in the world.
- 1900 May 17, L[yman] Frank Baum, chapter 24, in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Chicago, Ill.; New York, N.Y.: Geo[rge] M. Hill Co., OCLC 297099816:
  "My darling child!" she cried, folding the little girl in her arms and covering her face with kisses. "Where in the world did you come from?"
Used for emphasis after a qualified noun.
the happiest girl in the world
Synonym: on the face of the earth

used for emphasis after an interrogative

Danish: i alverden
Finnish: ihme (fi) (matches the case of mikä), kumma (fi)
French: au monde
German: in aller Welt, in Gottes Namen (de), in Herrgotts Namen, um Himmels willen

used for emphasis together with a noun