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]

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

but for

In turn, the investments grandparental figures make promote a form of longevity that is gained not just for its own sake, but for a larger and nobler purpose.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

“It’s creating such confusion, such anxiety, such an administrative burden, not just for the individuals, but for organizations like mine.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026

"And then we spent our lives behind the guys, everything went wrong, but for sure we have to do a much better job on Sunday."

From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026

International Business Machines cut its outlook, but for analysts, the most important thing now is meeting those new targets.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 23, 2026

Leftovers to eat were surely better than nothing, but for a whole family to wait in line for scraps, like stray cats mewing at the kitchen door?

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood