What's the world coming to?


What's the world coming to?

A rhetorical question that expresses disappointment or disillusionment with the state of the world and its future, typically stated upon learning of unpleasant news or witnessing something that one believes is an indication of overall decline. I saw in the paper that they arrested a kid just for bringing a spork to school. What's the world coming to? What's the world coming to when even a nun gets robbed in broad daylight?See also: coming, world

what is the world ˈcoming to?

(also I don’t know ˌwhat the world’s ˈcoming to) (saying) used as an expression of anger, shock, complaint, etc., at changes in people’s behaviour, the political situation, etc: When I read the news these days I sometimes wonder what the world’s coming to. ♢ Instant tea? What is the world coming to?See also: coming, what, world