Wipe somebody/something off the face of the earth

verb phrase colloquial

To completely destroy or obliterate someone or something.

The tsunami virtually wiped the entire city off the face of the earth.
Visual representation of "wipe somebody/something off the face of the earth" - To completely destroy or obliterate someone or something

Often appears as...

  • wipe out
  • eliminate

Usage tips

Colloquial

verb phrase colloquial

To kill someone so they are no longer exist.

In the movie, the villain threatens to wipe the hero off the face of the earth.
Visual representation of "wipe somebody/something off the face of the earth" - To kill someone so they are no longer exist

Often appears as...

  • wipe off
  • eliminate

Usage tips

Colloquial

verb phrase colloquial

To completely destroy or obliterate someone or something.

The tsunami virtually wiped the entire city off the face of the earth.
Visual representation of "wipe somebody/something off the face of the earth" - To completely destroy or obliterate someone or something

Often appears as...

  • wipe out
  • eliminate

Usage tips

Colloquial

verb phrase colloquial

To kill someone so they are no longer exist.

In the movie, the villain threatens to wipe the hero off the face of the earth.
Visual representation of "wipe somebody/something off the face of the earth" - To kill someone so they are no longer exist

Often appears as...

  • wipe off
  • eliminate

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "wipe somebody/something off the face of the earth"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Hyperbolic Expression

Often used to exaggerate the extent of destruction or elimination.

Illustration for Hyperbolic Expression
That wildfire nearly wiped that forest off the face of the earth.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

Usually not meant to be taken literally; it implies a great loss or devastation.

Illustration for Not Literal
The new mall construction will wipe that old playground off the face of the earth.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Intensity

Conveys strong emotions like anger or resolve when used in speech.

Illustration for Emotional Intensity
She vowed to wipe the corruption off the face of the organization.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Hyperbolic Expression

Often used to exaggerate the extent of destruction or elimination.

Illustration for Hyperbolic Expression
That wildfire nearly wiped that forest off the face of the earth.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

Usually not meant to be taken literally; it implies a great loss or devastation.

Illustration for Not Literal
The new mall construction will wipe that old playground off the face of the earth.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Intensity

Conveys strong emotions like anger or resolve when used in speech.

Illustration for Emotional Intensity
She vowed to wipe the corruption off the face of the organization.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Hyperbolic Expression

Often used to exaggerate the extent of destruction or elimination.

Illustration for Hyperbolic Expression
That wildfire nearly wiped that forest off the face of the earth.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

Usually not meant to be taken literally; it implies a great loss or devastation.

Illustration for Not Literal
The new mall construction will wipe that old playground off the face of the earth.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Intensity

Conveys strong emotions like anger or resolve when used in speech.

Illustration for Emotional Intensity
She vowed to wipe the corruption off the face of the organization.
Visual representation of the word "Wipe somebody/something off the face of the earth"

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