the four corners of the earth

the four corners of the earth

All parts of the world; the farthest reaches. I have traveled to the four corners of the earth to retrieve the medallion, and I'm not going to stop now.
See also: corner, earth, four, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

four corners of the earth, the

The far ends of the world; all parts of the world. For example, Athletes came from the four corners of the earth to compete in the Olympics. This expression appeared in the Bible (Isaiah 11:12): "And gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth." Although the idea that the earth is a flat plane with actual corners has long been discarded, the term has survived.
See also: corner, four, of
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

the four ˌcorners of the ˈearth

the parts of the world furthest away: People come from the four corners of the earth to attend the annual festival.
See also: corner, earth, four, of
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

four corners of the earth, the

The farthest ends of the world. This expression is believed to come from a passage in the Bible: “And gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth” (Isaiah 11:12). At that time and for many years thereafter the expression meant the entire world— that is, from all parts of the world. John Dryden switched it somewhat in To the Memory of Mrs. Killigrew: “When rattling bones together fly from the four corners of the sky.” In 1965 scientists actually designated four particular areas as the “corners” of the earth. Each of them is several thousand square miles in area, 120 feet higher than the geodetic mean, and has a gravitational pull measurably stronger than surrounding areas. They are located in Ireland, southeast of the Cape of Good Hope, west of the Peru coast, and between New Guinea and Japan. “Good authors too who once knew better words Now only use four-letter words. Writing prose, anything goes.” —Cole Porter, “Anything Goes” (1934)
See also: corner, four, of
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • four corners of the earth, the
  • all corners of the earth
  • the four corners of the world
  • all corners of the world
  • from the four corners of the earth
  • from all four corners of the world
  • from all corners of the world
  • corner
  • get (something) for (someone or something)
  • far post
References in classic literature
So the most renowned knights came from the four corners of the earth and retired down the dragon's throat one after the other.
Tramp Abroad
Casaubon and the banishment from Lowick, he was rather happy; getting a great deal of fresh knowledge in a vivid way and for practical purposes, and making the "Pioneer" celebrated as far as Brassing (never mind the smallness of the area; the writing was not worse than much that reaches the four corners of the earth).
Middlemarch
"In the name of the Regent of the Night, whose seat is on the Antelope, whose arms embrace the four corners of the earth.
The Moonstone
I said that the fame of the king had reached to the four corners of the earth, and that the nations gnashed their teeth when they heard daily of the glory of his realm and the wisdom of his moon-like prime minister and lotus-eyed director- general of public education.
From Mine Own People
"Have you future men used it to bring enlightenment to the four corners of the Earth, have you banished ignorance and given education to all?" ask the astonished locals.
The danger to democracy posed by voting apps and internet politics -- Alastair Stewart
The biggest ornament our nation is the ingathering of the exiles, the millions of Jews who arrived from the four corners of the earth to fulfill the dream of generations.
From Dreaming to Living the Dream: Israel at 71
He wants wealth from the four corners of the earth and all allied worldly knowledge, gains and powers to satiate his instinct of reshaping the map and commanding the world.
Doctor Faustus of today
After graduating from the London American School and before dispersing to the four corners of the earth, five friends take a two-week trip through Europe.
Vinesse, Cecilia. The Summer of Us
I am happy and hopeful when I see that in the four corners of the earth, most experts on the region see reality more clearly and publicly defend the honor and rights of my noble Iranian brothers and sisters.
Foreign Minister of Deposed Shah Voices Staunch Support for Islamic Republic
people from the four corners of the earth, having given their lives to Jesus after listening to this wonderful man of God share the love of Christ.
Graham was incredibly humble -Spiritual confidante, Wilton
One variety that originated with Koreans and has spread to the four corners of the earth and to outer space is "baechu" kimchi (Brassica rapa group spiced with garlic-seasoned red chili pepper and other subingredients according to one's liking).
Korea's signature dish
'When I was being condemned from the four corners of the Earth...
Bishop Eddie Long Accused Of Being Sick
SOME of the world's rarest chillis are being grown on Anglesey with seeds sourced from the four corners of the earth, thanks to a unique collaboration between a high street shop and a champion gardener.
WHITE-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS HOME-GROWN ON ISLAND
Everybody has dreams growing up, one of mine was boarding a ship, leaving from Liverpool to travel the four corners of the earth. I would go down by the lighthouse at New Brighton and daydream, watching the liners leave.
Getting used to my new job left me all at sea