for Pete's sake

English

Etymology

Euphemistic variant of for Christ's sake, for God's sake; "Pete" either invoking Saint Peter or influenced by for pity's sake.

Pronunciation

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Interjection

for Pete's sake

1. (idiomatic, euphemistic) Used to express frustration, exasperation, annoyance

   Synonyms: see Thesaurus:for the love of God

   For Pete's sake, get off the computer! You've been on there for ages!

See also

• Douglas Harper (2001–2023), “Peter”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.
• Michael Quinion (1996–2023), “For Pete's sake”, in World Wide Words.

Anagrams

• forespeakest