for the love of
Idioms-
For the sake of, in consideration of. For example, She signed up for all these volunteer jobs for the love of praise . [c. 1200]
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. 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.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He has had two knee operations and two foot operations since then, but kept coming back for the love of the sport.
From BBC • May 25, 2026
"This is a tournament that is supposed to be celebrated by the world, where fans of all nations come together for the love of football," the FSA said.
From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025
We’re talking about unstoppable levels of Big Dad Energy at every twist and turn, especially the kind of dad who is willing to do embarrassing things for the love of his daughter.
From Salon • Nov. 4, 2025
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
Well, for the love of God, will you come in, Angela.
From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
