the dear knows

phrase2

1. •
   (Ireland, old-fashioned) God knows; nobody knows

   • O thou, whom poets call Melpomene, Who hast inspir'd, the dear knows how many In ancient times to sing O Dear O's On hapless fates of unknown heroes, — 1806
2. •
   (Ireland, old-fashioned) God knows; of course, certainly, nobody could doubt

   • Then she gave a little sigh and said: ‘Ah, well! We did our best, the dear knows.’ — 1904