if it weren't for (someone/something)

the situation would have been different without someone or something.

If it weren't for him, I would probably be living on the streets.

I'd keep a garden if it weren't for having too much to do.

Usage notes: also used in the form if it hadn't been for someone or something:

If it hadn't been for Judy, Betsy was sure she would have left the city.

• catch someone cold
• catch someone dead to rights
• catch someone in the act
• catch someone off guard
• catch someone on the hop
• catch someone red-handed
• catch someone's eye
• catch someone with fingers in the till
• catch someone with hand in the till
• catch someone with their fingers in the till
• catch someone with their hand in the till
• catch some rays
• catch some z's
• catch the wave
• catch up on
• catch up on something
• catch with fingers in the till
• catch with hand in the till
• catch with their fingers in the till
• catch with their hand in the till
• catch you later
• catch you napping
• catch your breath
• catch your death!
• catch your death of cold!