goodness!

(my) goodness

A mild exclamation of surprise, wonder, alarm, dismay, annoyance, or exasperation. Goodness, look at the time! How is it nearly midnight already? My goodness, Bill, would it kill you to take out the trash once in a while? Goodness, that cyclist nearly hit me!
See also: goodness
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

(My) goodness (gracious)!

a general expression of interest or mild amazement. Bill: My goodness! The window is broken! Andy: I didn't do it! Bill: Who did, then? "Goodness! I'm late!" said Kate, glancing at her watch. "Goodness gracious! Are you hurt?" asked Sue as she helped the fallen student to his feet.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • (my) goodness
  • (oh) (my) gosh!
  • (for) land('s) sake(s) (alive)
  • (oh) (my) God!
  • Land o' Goshen!
  • almighty
  • ach du lieber
  • manual
References in classic literature
"So you do know something then, thank goodness! You're not quite a heathen.
Anne Of Green Gables
"Oh, my goodness! That little goose means a centaur, and she called him a Cyclops," exclaimed Jo, with a burst of laughter.
Little Women
Would that the world was filled with people with that ravenous hunger and thirst for righteousness,in their life and that of our society.Then,indeed, the world would be filled with real goodness!
THOUGHT for the DAY