anything but

Idioms  

1. By no means, not at all, as in He is anything but ambitious for a promotion. William Wordsworth in his long poem, The Prelude (1805–1806), wrote: “Grief call it not, 'twas anything but that.”

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Example Sentences

And a plan for capturing Iran’s nuclear supply—assuming one exists—is anything but.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

The big yield moves come amid a backdrop that feels anything but usual.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 29, 2026

I don’t understand how that market is for anything but speculation.

From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026

Snow flies might seem like ordinary insects, but their survival strategy is anything but typical.

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

Instead, it rested there, ice-cold as anything, but solid.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny