for goodness' sakes

Meanings

interjectionfor goodness' sakes!

euphemisticidiomaticUsed to express frustration, exasperation, annoyance.
"Oh, for goodness sakes. At least can you tell me if she's there?"
2000, Parnell Hall, A Clue for the Puzzle Lady, →ISBN, page 272
3 more examples
'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
'For goodness sakes, Ray,' Aunty Bea exclaimed exasperated, 'haven't you noticed the state of your niece?'
2014, Anne McCullagh Rennie, Reach for the Dream, →ISBN
euphemisticidiomaticUsed for emphasis.
They finished each other's sentences, for goodness sakes!
2010, Julie Christensen, Searching For Meredith Love, →ISBN
3 more examples
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
He was an undercover agent, for goodness sakes. Once a job was done, of course he would move on.
2012, Andrea Edwards, Secret Agent Groom, →ISBN
euphemisticidiomaticUsed to express surprise or amazement.
"For goodness sakes — " she repeated. Now she was just surprised.
2005, Wallace J. Gordon, One Day in Paris, →ISBN
2 more examples
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