the end of the world

the end of the world

An extremely bad situation or event. Almost always used hyperbolically and ironically. Well, whoever is elected, it won't be the end of the world; each candidate is as good or bad as the other in my book. The accident was just a little fender-bender, but he's acting like it's the end of the world.
See also: end, of, world
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the end of the world

a complete disaster. informal
This expression comes from the idea of the termination of life on earth as the ultimate catastrophe, but is often used with the negative as a reassurance that a mistake or setback is not that important.
1994 Face If people are buying my records that's good, but if they're not it's not the end of the world.
See also: end, of, world
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • the end of civilization as we know it
  • a labour of Hercules
  • chance of a lifetime
  • be a fate worse than death
  • get out with (one's) life
  • get out with life
  • everyone and their brother
  • everyone and their mother
  • days are numbered, one's
References in periodicals archive
This so-called prophecy is just the latest in a long list of theories predicting the end of the world in the near future.
Halloween Might Mark The End Of The World, Conspiracy Theory Says
When that will happen or the end of the world, nobody knows because his explanations are sometimes mythical and mystical," Lucas said.
Catholic Church downplays prophecy about 'last pope'
However, the scientific community has several theories about which epoch-making events in Bulgaria in 2012 led the ancient astrologists of the Mayans to decide that their calendar has to end on December 21 a a fact that horrified the international community, though not so much the Bulgarian community, which has already witnessed the end of the world several times.
Why the World Didn't End on 12/21/2012: Scientists Reveal How the Mayans Got It Wrong
THE Cyprus Mail hit the streets of Nicosia yesterday to find out how people felt about the end of the world, which some believe is today.
On eve of 'the end' Cypriots philosophical about doomsday
The end of the world has been foretold by a centuries-long parade of seers, and every one of them has been wrong.
Apocalypse later
Today marks the end of the Mayan calendar and, according to many doomsayers, the end of the world as we know it.
Party like it's your last!
Giving his first major news conference since his return to the Kremlin, Putin was asked why he picked a date one day before the end of the world, according to a Mayan prophecy that has caused global hysteria.
Putin rules out end of the world on Friday
The 52-year-old had made her home into a fortress, stockpiling guns as she got ready for TEOTWAWKI (The End Of The World As We Know It).
Monster's mother a 'Doomsday prepper'
Summary: If the Mayan prophecy is correct and the end of the world is upon us on December 21 2012, then at least one farmer in China is prepared.
Chinese farmer prepares for Mayan doomsday with safety pod
December 21, 2012, marks the end of the world, according to the Mayan calendar.
-Doomsday tourism on the increase
SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD 12A The end of the world is a crazy/daft time.
STICKY ENDING; MOVIE PREVIEWS BY JOHN MILLAR
SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD (15) Verdict: WHAT would you do if the end of the world was imminent?
End of the world can make good comedy
SINCE reading a survey about the end of the world, I have been growing worried.
Still somewhat unworried..
SO I COULD READ ABOUT THE END OF THE WORLD WITHOUT FEELING LIKE IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD.
Footprint in mouth