by God! (spoken, old-fashioned)
used to emphasize a feeling of determination or surprise (Some
people find this use offensive)
God | God almighty | God in heaven
| good God | my God | oh God (spoken)
used to emphasize what you are saying when you are surprised,
shocked or annoyed
God, what a stupid thing to do!
God willing (spoken)
used to say that you hope that things will happen as you have
planned and that there will be no problems
I'll be back next week, God willing
God / Heaven forbid (that...) (spoken)
used to say that you hope that sth will not happen
Maybe you"ll end up as a lawyer, like me. God forbid!
play God
to behave as if you control events or other people's lives
It is unfair to ask doctors to play God and end someone's life
to God / goodness / Heaven
used after a verb to emphasize a particular hope, wish, etc
I wish to God you'd learn to pay attention!
ye gods! (spoken)
used to show surprise, lack of belief, etc.
(the gods) [pl.] (BrE, informal)
the seats that are high up at the back of a theatre
We could only afford to sit in the gods
[sing.] godsend (for sb/sth) | godsend
(to sb/sth)
something good that happens unexpectedly and helps sb/sth when
they need help
This new benefit has come as a godsend for low-income families
act of God
an event caused by natural forces beyond human control, such
as a storm, a flood or an earthquake
be in the lap of the gods
if the result of a situation is in the lap of the gods,
you cannot control what will happen
God rest his / her soul | God rest
him / her (spoken, old-fashioned)
used to show respect when you are talking about sb who is dead
God's gift (to sb/sth)
a person who thinks that they are particularly good at sth or
who thinks that sb will find them particularly attractive
He seems to think he's God's gift to women
for Christ's, God's, goodness', heaven's,
pity's, etc. sake
used to emphasize that it is important to do sth or when you
are annoyed about sth
Do be careful, for goodness' sake. * Oh, for heaven's sake!
* For pity's sake, help me!
thank God / goodness / heaven(s) (for
sth)
used to say that you are pleased about sth
Thank God you're safe! * 'Thank goodness for that!' she said
with a sigh of relief. * Thanks heavens I've found my keys
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