but for

Related to but for: But for test

but for (someone)

Except for someone; if not for someone. But for the support of my friends, I never would have survived that difficult time.
See also: but

but for (something)

Except for something; if not for something. That major home repair would have sent me into debt but for my emergency fund.
See also: but
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

but for someone or something

if it were not for someone or something. But for the railing, I'd have fallen down the stairs. But for the children, Mrs. Smith would have left her husband years ago.
See also: but
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

but for

Except for, were it not for. For example, But for the afternoon shower, it was a perfect day, or But for the children, they would have gotten a divorce long ago. [c. 1200]
See also: but
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

but for somebody/something

except for somebody/something; without somebody/something: But for a brief period after leaving college, he had never been unemployed. But for you, we would not have been able to start up the business.
See also: but, somebody, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

but for

Were it not for: except for: We would have reached the summit but for the weather.
See also: but
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • but for (someone)
  • except for
  • except for (someone or something)
  • accompany (one) on a/(one's) journey
  • accompany on a journey
  • a stranger to (someone or something)
  • a dog in the manger
  • (one) puts (one's) pants on one leg at a time
  • attend to
  • a happy camper