On this program we explain common expressions that we use in everyday life . The world celebrates Earth Day every year on April 22 . It is a day to think seriously about how our lifestyles and daily habits affect the earth . Well , today we celebrate our shared Mother Earth with a show about earth expressions . To which , you might say , “What on earth took you so long ?!” Well , we think every day should be earth day ! So , let's start with the simple yet common expression on earth . We use “on earth ” to make strong feelings like surprise , shock , anger , disgust even stronger . And we use it a lot . Here are some examples . How on earth am I supposed to read this entire book in one night ? What on earth are you cooking ? It smells awful ! Why on earth didn't you come to the party ? It was awesome ! I did not know what on earth she was talking about . We often use “on earth ” in connection with choices . For example : “Why on earth are you going to the dance with him ! He has a police record ! You should go with a nice guy instead .” The earth sometimes comes up when a person wants to make big promises to someone they care about . For example , when the wife became sick , the husband went to the ends of the earth to find the best doctor to help her . A mother or father may promise to move or Heaven and Earth to help their children . “To move Heaven and Earth ” simply that means that you are willing to work very hard . Now , there is a wide mix of places on Earth : oceans and deserts , jungles and plains , valleys and mountains . Some places are , at times , easier to live in than others . And the word “earth ” comes in handy to describe them . We could call a place that is beautiful , peaceful with endless natural resources a heaven on earth . However , “heaven on earth ” could describe any place that has everything a person needs to be happy . Let's say you love books and reading above all else . A well-stocked library would most likely be your heaven on earth . But maybe you prefer being outdoors . A perfect outing for you would be hiking in the mountains and swimming in a clear lake . That would be your heaven on earth . But you probably know this already . When something shatters , it breaks into many small pieces . Something would have to be terribly powerful to shatter the earth . So , when something is “hardly earth-shattering ,” it is not surprising . We mostly use this phrase in the negative form . You can also say more simply that something is not earth-shattering . We use “earth ” in many expressions that describe not only places , but people . We can also call them grounded , an adjective that goes well with the word "earth ." Flighty people are the opposite . You can't depend on them . They change their minds often and are very unpredictable . The expression salt of the earth comes from the Bible , the Christian holy book . It describes a very good person . For example , my neighbors are always helping out people in need . I can call them salt of the earth type people . Now let's hear some of these expressions used in a conversation between two co-workers . Where on earth have you been ?! I haven't seen you for weeks ! I was on vacation . And it was fabulous ! Where did you go ? I vacationed on a beautiful tropical island . For two whole weeks , I was surrounded by bright white sand , sunny skies and a calm blue ocean . Sounds like heaven on earth . How was your week ? Well , the office was short on staff . So , I had to stay late every night . That sounds awful . Well , I'm back now . How can I help ? First , I would check in with Rashma . She was promoted while you were on vacation . I mean , she is the hardest-working person here . I just thought that Angie would have been promoted first . She's so down-to-earth and everyone likes her . Oh , Angie's great -- a real salt of the earth woman . But Rashma has moved heaven and earth to help this company . Why on earth she's still here is beyond me . I thought she would have her own company by now ! We will end this program with one more “earth ” expression . When you promise someone the earth , you promise to give them whatever they could possibly want . Naturally , we use this in an exaggerated way . No one can give another person the earth ! You know , if I write a country song , I already know what I'll name it : “He promised me Earth , but all I got is dirt .” How do you use "earth " in your language ?