in the name of

Meaning

1. Oxford60% of films

   using the authority of sb / sth; as a representative of sb / sth

2. Oxford25% of films

   used to give a reason or an excuse for doing sth, often when what you are doing is wrong

   behave very strangely and do very odd things in the name of love.

3. Editorial10% of films

   used in questions or cries (what/how in the name of …) to show shock, anger, or disbelief

   What in the name of Mike

4. Oxford5% of films

   for sb; showing that sth officially belongs to sb

In the movies · 55

• Open up in the name of the law!Who Framed Roger Rabbit1988
• behave very strangely and do very odd things in the name of love.Gladiator2000
• Alfred Borden, this day, in the name of the kingThe Prestige2006
• Stop in the name of Security!Hannah Montana: The Movie2009
• What in the name of MikeThe Polar Express2004
• In the name of love.Scary Movie 22001
• In the name of the law!Hot Fuzz2007
• What in the name of heaven?The Man from Earth2007

From the same entry

• by name
• by the name of
• enter name
• give your name to
• go by the name of
• have your name on it
• in all but name
• in God's name
• in name only
• name is mud
• the name of the game
• a name to conjure with

More expressions

• do a favor
• give a hand
• tell you what
• come with me
• on own
• do me a favor
• in love with
• figure it out
• get away with
• i was wondering if
• give me a hand
• sick of