Meaning of for goodness' sakes | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Used to express frustration, exasperation, annoyance.
   euphemistic, idiomatic
2. Used for emphasis.
   euphemistic, idiomatic
3. Used to express surprise or amazement.
   euphemistic, idiomatic

Examples

“'For goodness' sakes, Father,' cried Emma, the bright tears in her eyes drying because her eyeballs were so hot and angry, 'for goodness' sakes, Father, the idea of acting - so - horrid.”

“"Didn't you talk⟳ to her, for goodness sakes? Just what have⟳ you been doing in there for the past hour?"”

“"Oh, for goodness sakes. At least can you tell⟳ me if she's there?"”

“'For goodness sakes, Ray,' Aunty Bea exclaimed exasperated, 'haven't you noticed the state of your niece?'”

“Learn⟳ to play⟳ a reed instrument; do not borrow money; do not lend⟳ money; do not make⟳ money — [laughter] — and for goodness sakes, do not lose⟳ money.”

“The most important thing that I would say⟳ to you, is as you develop⟳ those priorities, for goodness sakes, also take⟳ the time to think⟳ about the future and the burden that we are going to put⟳ on future generations by what you do today.”

“They finished each other's sentences, for goodness sakes!”

“He was an undercover agent, for goodness sakes. Once a job was done, of course he would move⟳ on.”

“For goodness' sakes!" Fannie broke out in surprise⟳ when she saw⟳ Molly there. "For goodness' sakes! Where you been hiding these days?"”

“Surprise⟳, surprise⟳, do you believe⟳ your eyes? Well for goodness sakes, that takes the cake.”

“"For goodness sakes — " she repeated. Now she was just surprised.”

CEFR level