for the sake of
Idioms-
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]
-
For the purpose or motive of, as in You like to quarrel only for the sake of an argument. [Early 1200s]
-
for God's sake . Also . 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.
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.
But this is a viable media enterprise that I’m really interested in for the sake of comedy and the opportunity for outsider or fringe comedy.
From Slate • Jul. 12, 2026
But the show went on for the sake of the local economy.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 6, 2026
"Now, we must break this long-standing cycle of discrimination and marginalisation - not only for the sake of justice and equity, but also to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth," he wrote.
From BBC • Jun. 29, 2026
Israel must act according to its national interests for the sake of its people and the future of the state of Israel.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026
“Then instruct me, for the sake of Ptah the Bearded! That scowling one, the First Craftsman, said nothing but ‘Wash these sweepings, young one!’ with never a word as to how or why.
From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
![]()
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.