for the love of

Idioms  

1. For the sake of, in consideration of. For example, She signed up for all these volunteer jobs for the love of praise . [c. 1200]

2. . An exclamation of surprise, exasperation, or some similar feeling, as in For the love of Pete, give me the money! James Joyce used this idiom in Ulysses (1922): “For the love of Mike listen to him.” Pete and Mike are euphemisms for God. [Early 1900s] Also see for the sake of , def. 3.

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Example Sentences

"I do it for the love of it, I'm not doing it for income right now, unfortunately," added Scott.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

This Halloween, for the love of America—please turn on the porch light, go door-to-door, open your own.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 21, 2025

Some actors want success, while others perform for the love of the art.

From Salon • Jun. 17, 2025

To let go of that need — for the love of strangers, the adoration of the industry and the little trophies that represent it all — is to be truly free.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2025

“And for the love of God, will you clean up that mess?”

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins