Used to express surprise or amazement.

Etymology:

  • A euphemistic replacement of "God" in for God's sake.
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For goodness' sakes!" Fannie broke out in surprise when she saw Molly there. "For goodness' sakes! Where you been hiding these days?"

Submitted on July 10, 2018

Additional definitions for 'for goodness' sakes':

for goodness' sakesUsed to express frustration, exasperation, annoyance.
for goodness' sakesUsed for emphasis.
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    "for goodness' sakes." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 22 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/for-goodness-sakes_25651>.

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