goodness

honest-to-goodness

an honest-to-goodness thing or person is plain, simple, and exactly what they appear to be. I'd much rather have an honest-to-goodness steak than any of the fancy stuff he cooks. (always before noun)

---

for goodness sake

for goodness' sake

See also: sake

honest to goodness

this is really true. I'll be there on Tuesday, honest to goodness!

See also: honest

thank goodness

I am pleased or happy. My husband cleans the barn every day, thank goodness.

Usage notes: often used instead of the more offensive idiom thank God

thank God

See also: thank