sake

Everyday

1. For someone's sake means to help them or for their good. tree →
2. For the sake of something means because of it or to get it: for safety's sake. tree →
3. (informal, mild swearing) "For goodness' sake!", "for heaven's sake!", "for Pete's sake!" show you are annoyed or impatient. tree →
4. (rude) "For God's sake!" or stronger forms are rude in some homes and schools. tree →
5. Sake (said SAH-kay) is a Japanese alcoholic drink made from rice. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it shows why someone acts ("for her brother's sake") or shows an annoyed character. In safety talks: "for safety's sake, wear a helmet". Phrases: for my sake, for the sake of it, for old times' sake, for goodness' sake, art for art's sake.

Examples

• She stayed calm for her little brother's sake. tree →
• For safety's sake, hold the rail. tree →
• Oh, for goodness' sake, tidy your room! tree →
• He argues just for the sake of arguing. tree →
• Let's visit the old school for old times' sake. tree →
• For heaven's sake, stop kicking my chair! tree →
• Please be quiet, for everyone's sake. tree →
• We made the cake smaller for the sake of time. tree →
• He came for the sake of the daughter. tree →

Note

Used almost only in "for ... sake". Possessive apostrophe: "for John's sake", "for goodness' sake". The Japanese drink "sake" is a different word, spoken in two syllables, and only for adults. Mild exclamations are informal; avoid "for God's sake" in formal talk.

In Jewish tradition

"For the sake of" means because of someone's goodness or for their benefit. Abraham bargains with God to spare Sodom for the sake of ten righteous people.

Interpretation. Tradition learns from Abraham's plea that a few righteous people can protect a whole city.

Examples

• Peradventure ten shall be found there.' And He said: 'I will not destroy it for the ten's sake.' (Torah GEN.18.32, JPS 1917) tree →
• Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, saying: Thou also shalt not go in thither; (Torah DEU.1.37, JPS 1917) tree →
• Peradventure there shall be twenty found there.' And He said: 'I will not destroy it for the twenty's sake.' (Torah GEN.18.31, JPS 1917) tree →
• Return for Thy servants' sake, the tribes of Thine inheritance. (Prophets ISA.63.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• Arise for our help, and redeem us for Thy mercy's sake. (Writings PSA.44.27, JPS 1917) tree →
• Return, O LORD, deliver my soul; save me for Thy mercy's sake. (Writings PSA.6.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Used almost only in "for ... sake". Possessive apostrophe: "for John's sake", "for goodness' sake". The Japanese drink "sake" is a different word, spoken in two syllables, and only for adults. Mild exclamations are informal; avoid "for God's sake" in formal talk.