the blazes

the blazes

Used as an intensifier after a question word ("who," "what," "where," "when," "why," and "how") to express extreme confusion, surprise, or aggravation. Primarily heard in US. And just how the blazes am I supposed to have three reports done by 9 AM tomorrow? Where the blazes did you find that rusty old car? Who the blazes is making all that noise?

See also: blaze

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

what/where/who the ˈblazes...?

(old-fashioned, spoken) used to emphasize that you are annoyed and surprised, to avoid using the word ‘hell’: What the blazes have you done?This expression refers to the flames associated with hell.

See also: what, who

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