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

She did her own research, as we say on the internet — but for real.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026

And with labor demand cooling and inflation appearing to drift back toward the Fed’s target but for tariff-driven increases, interest rates looked restrictive.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

"This kind of activity enriches them a great deal, not only visually for the audience but for them as well," he said.

From Barron's • Jun. 6, 2026

Knowing better than their elders, they get the vote not just for what they promise but for what they already do with greatness.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

The memento was not for him but for Mary Jane Welles, wife of Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles and one of Mary Todd Lincoln’s few friends in Washington.

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson