In the Worst Way

Meaning of Idiom ‘In the Worst Way’

In the worst way means very much; desperately; to an extreme degree. ¹,²,³

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Usage

In the worst way is often used literally, such as “He did things in the worst way possible.” When it is used as an idiom, it usually refers to something that is wanted or needed very much. ⁴

Examples Of Use

“My son wants a new video game in the worst way, but he already has too many.”

“What a stressful day! I need a drink in the worst way.”

“Susan wanted to get into Harvard in the worst way, but after visiting, she realized she didn’t want to go there.”

Origin

Used since the second part of the 1800’s. ⁵

More Idioms Starting with I

• I Could Murder (A Food/Drink)
• It’s All Good
• In One’s Face
• Iron Out
• If I Had My Druthers

More In Idioms

• In The Pink
• Sleep In
• In the Black
• In the Red
• Go In One Ear and Out the Other

More Way Idioms

• Rub Someone the Wrong Way
• Any Which Way
• My Way or the Highway
• That’s the Way the Cookie Crumbles

More Worst Idioms

• Your Own Worst Enemy

References

1. Heacock, Paul. Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2010.
2. Ammer, Christine.  American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.
3. Bengelsdorf, Peter. Idioms in the News – 1,000 Phrases, Real Examples. N.p.: Amz Digital Services, 2012.
4. Bengelsdorf, Peter. Idioms in the News – 1,000 Phrases, Real Examples. N.p.: Amz Digital Services, 2012.
5. Ammer, Christine.  American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.