destroyed by heaven and earth; damned; cursed by the universe
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb
to be destroyed by heaven and earth; to be damned by the universe (used in self-curses or solemn oaths)
archaicThis classical idiom is traditionally used in oaths or self-curses to emphasize sincerity, meaning 'if I am lying, may I be destroyed by heaven and earth.' While the phrasing is archaic, it remains common in modern hyperbolic speech and fiction. The tone is solemn and severe.
If I'm lying to you, may I be destroyed by heaven and earth!
He swore a solemn oath saying that if he leaked the secret, he deserved to be damned by the universe.
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Doing such heinous things that violate heaven and reason will bring divine punishment upon you.
The two pledged their love with vows as strong as mountains and seas, promising that if either betrayed the other, they would willingly accept destruction by heaven and earth.