Definition

Adverb - By some means not understood by the speaker; in an unknown, inexplicable, or astonishing way. This phrase expresses that the manner or method by which something was achieved is completely unknown, surprising, or difficult to comprehend for the person speaking.

Usage

This adverbial phrase is used to emphasize the speaker's lack of understanding or amazement regarding how a particular action was accomplished or a situation came to be. It often precedes a statement of fact about an impressive or unlikely achievement.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• As a parenthetical expression: The phrase is frequently used as a parenthetical interjection, set off by commas, to insert the speaker's astonishment into a statement.
  • The old bridge, god knows how, is still standing after all these storms.

Variants and Related Words

• God only knows how: A slightly more emphatic variant with the same meaning.
  • God only knows how they managed to survive in the wilderness for a month.

Synonyms

• Somehow: In some way not specified or known.
• Heaven knows how: A synonymous expression with identical usage and meaning.

Related Idioms

• God knows: Used more broadly to express that something is unknown or uncertain. (Note: This is listed as a related idiom, as it is a distinct, shorter phrase).
  • "When will he arrive?" "God knows."

Adverb

1. by some means not understood by the speaker
   • God knows how he did it, but he did climbed that steep wall