watch the world burn

English

Etymology

Popularized by a quote from The Dark Knight (2008), from a character who explains about the motives of criminals such as the Joker.

Pronunciation

  • Audio (US):(file)

Verb

watch the world burn (third-person singular simple present watches the world burn, present participle watching the world burn, simple past and past participle watched the world burn)

  1. (slang, derogatory, idiomatic) To watch the chaos, pain or death that results from the actions of others or oneself with an attitude of detachment or indifference.
    Well, because he thought it was good sport. Because some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.

See also

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