for the sake of

for the sake of (someone or something)

Out of regard or respect for someone or something; for the benefit, advantage, or purpose of something or somebody. For the sake of those who have already read the chapter, I won't go into it in too much detail here today. For the sake of decency, please stop using such profane language in church!

See also: for, of, sake

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

for the sake of

1. Also for one's sake. Out of consideration or regard for a person or thing; for someone's or something's advantage or good. For example, For Jill's sake we did not serve meat, or We have to stop fighting for the sake of family unity. [Early 1200s]

2. For the purpose or motive of, as in You like to quarrel only for the sake of an argument. [Early 1200s]

3. for God's sake. Also for goodness or heaven's or Pete's or pity's sake . An exclamation showing surprise, impatience, anger, or some other emotion, depending on the context. For example, For God's sake, I didn't expect to see you here, or Hurry up, for goodness sake, or For heaven's sake, how can you say such a mean thing? or For pity's sake, finish your dinner. The variants are euphemisms for God. [c. 1300] For a synonym, see for the love of, def. 2.

See also: for, of, sake

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

for the sake of somebody/something

,

for somebody’s/something’s sake

in order to help somebody/something or because you like somebody/something: They stayed together for the sake of the children. ♢ You can do it. Please, for my sake. ♢ I hope you’re right, for all our sakes (= because this is important for all of us).

See also: for, of, sake, somebody, something

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