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

See Examples For:

but for

One bad game doesn’t mean the season is over, but for a Rams team set on a Super Bowl-or-bust trajectory, they can’t afford another prime-time stumble.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2026

"This is a partnership not against anyone else, but for our common strength," she said.

From Barron's ● Sep. 16, 2026

But today, Schick’s owner, Edgewell Personal Care, makes razors not only under the Schick name but for Walmart’s Equate private-label brand and Target’s Up & Up line.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 16, 2026

As a child, Black didn't quite grasp the day's gravity, but for her, certain details still stand out.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026

Garth did what she said, but for the rest of the day I noticed him staring over at me.

From "The World According to Humphrey" by Betty G. Birney