In God’s/Heaven’s name Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Emphasizes Shock Heightens the expression of surprise or disbelief in a situation. In God's name, when did this happen? Pro Tip 2/3Rhetorical Question Often pairs with questions that don't expect literal answers, just to show astonishment. What in God's name were they thinking? Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal It's a figure of speech and does not involve religious context in regular conversations. How in God's name did this mistake occur?