Idiom: 'heaven only knows'

[jian]

Test No. incompl/elem-29 "Responses (2)", question 6

Mike: 'Can you explain why she did that?'
Jane: '.........'

(a) Heaven alone will say.
(b) Heaven only says.
(c) Heaven alone speaks.
(d) Heaven only knows.

Test No. incompl/elem-29 "Responses (2)", answer 6

Mike: 'Can you explain why she did that?'
Jane: 'Heaven only knows.'

Correct answer: (d) Heaven only knows.
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what's the answer?

jian

[Mister Micawber]

.
The answer is Heaven only knows-- it is a stock phrase meaning I have no idea.
.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Alan]

Hi jian,

There's really no need to keep asking for the answer when the answer is before your very eyes on the screen.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Seanmen]

is "before your very eyes" an idiomatic usage? what does it mean?

I guess, it means "right in front of you"?

[Alan]

Hi,

Spot on - Dead right - Absolutely so or in a word- 'Yes'

Alan
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English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Progressive Forms

[Seanmen]

thanks.

BTW, I like your explanation about "bad habits", one classic example of them is "eating chips".

[Mickhael]

Hello everyone,

I am a student and I would like to know : What does 'Heaven only knows.' mean exactly? Thank you for your help.

[Mister Micawber]

Please read my previous post, Mickhael.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Untaught1988]

Isn't it "Heaven knows."! Can we also add "only"?
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[Beeesneees]

Please read Mister Micawber's comment in message #2.
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"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett

[Untaught1988]

I definitely read that. I have an Oxford dictionary. I looked it up and found "Heaven/Goodness knows". If we can add, then can we change its position? Only Heaven knows. Heaven knows only?
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[Beeesneees]

As Mister Micawver says, 'Heaven only knows' is a stock phrase. If 'only' is used, the position is set.
Only Heaven knows' works, but is not a stock phrase.
'Heaven alone knows' is also used.
_________________
"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett