why ever

why ever

Used to add emphasis to the normal question "why." Sometimes used ironically or sarcastically. Why ever did you get into business with that crook? A: "John, did you take Samantha's book?" B: "Now, why ever would you accuse me of that?"
See also: ever, why
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

why ˈever...?

used in questions to mean ‘why?’, expressing surprise: Why ever didn’t you tell us?
See also: why
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • (Is) that everything?
  • believe it or not
  • bion
  • as one does
  • come in
  • come in a certain position
  • come on in
  • as you do
  • first rule of (something): do not talk about (something)
  • be (flat) on (one's) back
References in periodicals archive
I don't want you squirming and turning inside me, all wide awake, when you should be resting and still!' 'Why ever would I do that?' I asked angrily, 'See what it says on all you graves, 'RIP, Rest In Peace!'
Sometimes I feel the government of PTI does not have any economic policies and perhaps that is why ever since the PTI's government came into power in July 2018, the country's economy has been giving dismal signals.
In this day and age of legitimate self-determination, why ever not?
Why ever not, one might ask, after all, the Brass heaved him into office in the first place and must shoulder responsibility for his actions.
"If you have the information that you could have rough waters or a storm coming, why ever put a boat on that water?"
But if the surgical strikes did scare the daylights out of the Pakistanis, then would the PM kindly explain why ever since more Indian civilians have been killed in crossborder firing and more jawans martyred in the last two years than in the entire decade of Dr Manmohan Singh's government?
As to why choose Dubai now, Esber's response is pithy - "Why ever not?"
Starting at Lossiemouth (and why ever not?) he will zig-zag across the nation asking strangers to play him at chess.
It is now quite clear why ever since its establishment the NCHR was made dysfunctional by denying it funds he said questioning also the commitment of the government towards human rights issues.
And yet I have to admit, if you fancy letting it all hang out on holiday, and why ever not, Gran Canaria is not a bad place to do it.
Perhaps, this explains why ever since Roposo launched a mobile app four months ago, it has seen a tremendous spike in users contributing to the content.
His rib-tickling humour appeals to people of all ages, which is why ever since the show was announced, people have been rushing to secure their tickets.
Such a gift can't really be measured--and why ever should we want to do so?
Even when you give it your 100 percent attention, accidents happen so why ever would pick up your phone?!
Why ever would you care because who do you intend to show this particular little home movie to?