What is the origin of the idiom "a world of difference" and when to use it?

The idiom "a world of difference" originated from the idea that there can be a significant contrast or distinction between two things, situations, or individuals, akin to the vast differences that exist between different countries or regions around the world. The phrase is mostly used to emphasize the magnitude of the dissimilarity, suggesting that the variance is so substantial that it can be likened to the disparities found across diverse cultures, geographies, or circumstances.