ANSWERS: 2
  • it came from "for pity's sake" where "pity" was used in place of "god" or "christ" out of politeness. in the same category: for criminy's sake, for heaven's sake, for crying out loud.
  • It is an english phrase, Pete may be Saint Peter, who is traditionally regarded as the gatekeeper at heaven. So if you are enjoining someone to do something you might remind them that when they stand before the pearly gates, they do not want St peter to point out to them that they are not allowed in because they failed in some duty or were lacking in some way. "For Pete's sake, tidy your bedroom" You might not do it for me... but imagine standing in front of St Peter at the gates of heaven and he won't let you in because you never kept your bedroom tidy!

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