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Writer's pictureJace Shoemaker-Galloway

For Pete's Sake Day: Famous Phrases and idioms from days gone by


If you happen to be a certain age, chances are pretty good you have heard or even uttered the phrase, "for Pete's sake." One day a year is actually dedicated to that once-common phrase. Feb. 26 is For Pete's Sake Day! This annual "holiday" was created by the folks at Wellcat and is listed on Chase's Calendar of Events.

The phrase was commonly used as a substitute for the more offensive phrase, "for God's sake" or "for Christ's sake" and was said when someone was surprised, annoyed, frustrated or irritated. And in case you are wondering who the heck Pete is, you aren't alone. While some believe Pete may refer to the Apostle Peter, others suggest the phrase evolved from older phrases, "for the love of Mike" or "for pity's sake."

In honor of For Pete's Sake Day, check out a few other common phrases and idioms from the past.

Famous Phrases and Idioms from Days Gone By

  • Honest to Pete

  • Heavens to Betsy

  • A Doubting Thomas

  • Cup of Joe

  • Peter Out

  • Moaning Minnie

  • Debbie Downer

  • Johnny on the Spot

  • Jack of all Trades

  • Charlie Horse

  • Round Robin

  • The Bee's Knees

  • As Busy as a Bee

  • The Cat's Meow

  • Cat Got Your Tongue

  • It's Raining Cats and Dogs

  • Barking Mad

  • Something to Crow About

  • Bats in the Belfry

  • A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush

  • For the Birds

  • As Cute as a Bug's Ear

  • Snug as a Bug in a Rug

  • Chew the Cud

  • 'Till the Cows Come Home

  • Stubborn as a Mule

  • When Pigs Fly

  • In a Pig's Eye

  • Pig in a Poke

  • Straight From the Horse's Mouth

  • To Hell in a Handbasket

  • Shake a Leg

  • A Foot in the Door

  • Put Your Best Foot Forward

  • Goody Two-Shoes

  • Chip on Your Shoulder

  • Play it by Ear

  • Wet Behind the Ears

  • Red-Handed

  • By the Skin of Your Teeth

  • Short End of the Stick

  • A Sticky Wicket

  • No Rest for the Wicked

  • Your Name is Mud

  • Cool as a Cucumber

  • As Keen as Mustard

  • Spill the Beans

  • A Penny for Your Thoughts

  • A Watched Pot Never Boils

  • Get Your Dander Up

  • Lose Your Marbles

  • Bite the Dust

  • Hit the Hay


February 26 is also National Pistachio Day. Go nuts!

Sources:

Idiom Site

World Wide Words

Learn English Feel Good. American Idioms

The Free Dictionary

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