God (only) knows (2)

INFORMAL
This page is about the conversational phrase God (only) knows (2)

Meaning

You can say this to emphasize how honest or truthful you're being.

For example

  • "God knows I've tried, but I still haven't been able to quit cigarettes."

  • "I hope she wins the race."
    "Me too. God only knows she's trained hard enough!"

Note:
WARNING! Be careful when saying this as religious people might find it offensive. Safer, but less common, alternatives include "Goodness knows" and "Heaven knows".

Quick Quiz

If you say "God knows I've tried", you're saying you

a. have tried to know God

b. haven't tried too hard

c. have tried very hard
a) have tried to know God b) haven't tried too hard c) have tried very hard

Contributor: Matt Errey