but for

Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

For now, there isn’t an immediate threat of bitcoin going the way of the penny — but for a number of miners, profitability no longer looks possible.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

"I have 22 years experience. For us, this is something like normal, but for other people, is not normal," Itani said, adding, "I'm sad, like everybody".

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

"I hope that today we plant the seeds of peace not only for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait, but for all humankind," Cheng said on Wednesday, in comments broadcast by Taiwanese media.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

The abolitionists also assert that women should be punished not for abortion but for homicide.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Not for people’s lives but for a gesture.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom