would that

Idioms  

1. I wish that, as in Would that I could stop working and go hiking with you. For a synonym, see if only.

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Example Sentences

If Southampton were able to play in the final on Saturday, what example would that set for everyone else in football?

From BBC • May 20, 2026

“It’s like we all wanted to live in the Renaissance or, like, when fire was first invented—how cool would that be?” he continued.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

So my question is: What do they specifically mean by “returning to work”? How many hours would that involve?

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

“So I thought, ‘OK, what if I do “Romeo and Juliet” in the future; what would that look like?’”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

I could have told Auntie Buzz that her problems had been solved, but what kind of lesson would that have taught her?

From "Liar, Liar" by Gary Paulsen