but for (someone)
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
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
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.
- accompany (one) on a/(one's) journey
- accompany on a journey
- a stranger to (someone or something)
- be out of (one's) league
- be out of somebody's league
- be in bad with (someone)
- a dog in the manger
- (one) puts (one's) pants on one leg at a time
- bank on someone
- bargain for (someone or something) with (someone)