"Looks all over hell" is a colloquial phrase used to convey that someone is searching for something with great intensity. The IPA phonetic transcription for this phrase is /lʊks ɔl oʊvər hɛl/. The pronunciation of "looks" is represented by /lʊks/, while "all over" is pronounced as /ɔl oʊvər/. Finally, "hell" is pronounced as /hɛl/. The phrase makes use of informal language and is often used in informal conversations, emphasizing the speaker's strong desire to locate something.
"Looks all over hell" is an idiomatic expression that conveys a sense of intense searching or widespread exploration with little success or vague direction. Derived from the words "looks," meaning to visually examine or search for something, and "all over hell," an emphasis or intensifier, the phrase is often used informally to describe a situation where one appears to be searching diligently, tirelessly or in a disorganized manner but unable to find what they are looking for.
This expression suggests a futile or frustrating searching process, where the chances of success seem slim or the desired item or information eludes the searcher despite their best efforts. The inclusion of "hell" in the phrase's phrasing imbues it with a vividness and emotional intensity, suggesting a tumultuous or chaotic state of affairs during the search. It can imply that the search is taking place in a wide or extensive range without a clear path or definite clues to guide the searcher.
In essence, when someone is said to be "looking all over hell," it implies a determined but exasperating search that yields little or no desired results, giving the impression of being lost, overwhelmed, or frustrated in their efforts to find what they seek. This idiomatic phrase is typically used colloquially to exaggerate the intensity or difficulty of a search and to convey a sense of exasperation or despair.