on earth

1. like nothing on earth . Incomparable. For example, That perfume smells like nothing on earth , or Her new hair color is like nothing on earth . [c. 1900]

2. Also, in creation ; in the world . Ever, anywhere, of all possible things. These phrases are all used for emphasis in questions or, less often, in a negative context. For example, What on earth is he doing with a spade? or Where in creation did that child go? or How in the world do you expect me to carry all those bags? [Late 1700s]

Example Sentences

Penalties deep as death, and at length terrible as hell-on-earth, my constitutional friend!

From Project Gutenberg

I had been in this hell-on-earth for fifteen days without any secretion from the bowels.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he asked a question: "When is this little hell-on-earth going to be finally extinguished, Victor?"

From Project Gutenberg

Is it of a truth leading us into beatific Asphodel meadows, or the yellow-burning marl of a Hell-on-Earth?

From Project Gutenberg

Grandma said it would be heaven-on-earth to live there, if only you had a decent little house and a garden.

From Project Gutenberg