for the sake of argument

for the sake of argument

Just to consider an alternative to something being discussed. I know you want to go to Stanford, but just for the sake of argument, let's talk about what some of the other schools you got into have to offer.
See also: argument, of, sake
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

for the sake of ˈargument

as a starting point for a discussion; to discuss things in theory only: For the sake of argument, let’s say that prices continue to rise by 20 per cent a year.
See also: argument, of, sake
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • devil's advocate, (to play)
  • for the sake of
  • for the sake of (someone or something)
  • for the sake of somebody/something
  • for its own sake
  • play (the) devil's advocate
  • play devil's advocate
  • arguing for the sake of argument
  • be (the) devil's advocate
  • argue the point
References in periodicals archive
But for the sake of argument, let's say that Ariel, too, is Danish,' said Freeform.
Just for the sake of argument, though, imagine that he had scored one of the three penalties that were saved (all of his penalties have been on target).
Let us assume for the sake of argument the minister's expectation that foreign exchange reserves will increase by June 30, it is still foolhardy to suggest that all of our fiscal deficit woes will disappear by that time.
He added: 'Assuming for the sake of argument that it was true, what is wrong with shredding papers when what were shredded were already considered waste?'
"Assuming, for the sake of argument that it was true, what is wrong with shredding papers when what were shredded were already considered waste?" asked Aguirre.
While for the sake of argument one may accept that giving chinese a chance to negotiate with Baloch militants was necessary given that Baloch fighters are reluctant to hold talks with the government of Pakistan.
For the sake of argument if Naqeebullah Mehsud was a terrorist and committed a criminal act, what gives the authority to SSP Rao to become the judge, jury and executioner and murder this young man in a fake encounter?
For the sake of argument, let's ponder this issue from a different angle: If violent crimes could be nearly eliminated, and we all could be safe--but it came at the cost of complete submission to surveillance--would you be for or against it?
To be fair, I don't know if Munchkin was destined for wool production or the butcher's block, but for the sake of argument I postulate the latter, being the fate of thousands of lambs.
Let's say, for the sake of argument, that you wanted to start observing Shabbat, or Shabbat-lite, or a tech Shabbat.
For the sake of argument, let's say she fends off US Army Ranger by half a length.
For the sake of argument, let us assume that it is somehow problematic that these groups transfer money abroad.
Pause for a moment to reflect on how the UK might look now had the legislature been relocated to - let's for the sake of argument say Newcastle - 20 or 30 years ago.
However, let's assume for the sake of argument that the genuine time-wasters, those with neither the real intention to buy your house nor the wherewithal to do so, have been weeded out.