goodness

*out of the goodness of one's heart

Fig. simply because one is kind. (*Typically: be something ~; do something ~.) What are you going to pay me? You don't expect me to do this out of the goodness of my heart, do you?

See also: heart, out

(My) goodness (gracious)!

a general expression of interest or mild amazement. Bill: My goodness! The window is broken! Andy: I didn't do it! Bill: Who did, then? "Goodness! I'm late!" said Kate, glancing at her watch. "Goodness gracious! Are you hurt?" asked Sue as she helped the fallen student to his feet.

For Pete's sake! and For pity's sake!; For the love of Mike!; For goodness sake!; For gosh sake!; For heaven('s) sake!

a mild exclamation of surprise or shock. For Pete's sake! How've ya been? For pity's sake! Ask the man in out of the cold!

Honest to goodness. and Honest to God.; Honest to Pete.

I speak the truth. (Some people may object to the use of God in this phrase.) Did he really say that? Honest to goodness? Honest to Pete, I've been to the South Pole.

See also: honest

Thank goodness! and Thank heavens!

Oh, I am so thankful! John: Well, we finally got here. Sorry we're so late. Mother: Thank goodness! We were all so worried. Jane: There was afire on Maple Street, but no one was hurt. Bill: Thank heavens!

See also: thank

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honest-to-goodness

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

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for goodness' sake (spoken) also for goodness sakes

I am surprised or annoyed by this for Pete's sake For goodness' sake, Harry, what are you doing at this time of night? Well, for goodness sakes, why didn't you tell me that earlier so I could have changed my plans?

Usage notes: used for emphasis and often used instead of the more offensive idioms for God's sake and for Christ's sake

Related vocabulary: for crying out loud

See also: sake

honest to goodness (spoken)

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

See also: honest

thank goodness (spoken)

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

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

Related vocabulary: thank God

See also: thank