for goodness' sakes

Interjection

1. (euphemistic, idiomatic) Used to express frustration, exasperation, annoyance.
   • '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.1928, Fannie Hurst, A President is Born, page 23
   • "Didn't you talk to her, for goodness sakes? Just what have you been doing in there for the past hour?"1991, John S. Applegate, Thy Kingdom Come: Tales of a Small-Town Lawyer, →ISBN, page 169
2. (euphemistic, idiomatic) Used for emphasis.
   • 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.1994, Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, page 769
   • 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.2004, United States Congress Senate Committee on Finance, Examination of proposals for economic growth and job creation
3. (euphemistic, idiomatic) Used to express surprise or amazement.
   • For goodness' sakes!" Fannie broke out in surprise when she saw Molly there. "For goodness' sakes! Where you been hiding these days?"1943, Estelle Schrott, Heaven is for the Angels, page 352
   • Surprise, surprise, do you believe your eyes? Well for goodness sakes, that takes the cake.2002, Spotlight Grade 1 Songs and Stories, →ISBN, page 10