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

“Those at the top of the wealth distribution can absorb long-term-care costs without substantial losses, but for most Americans, the burden of paying for care wipes out decades of savings and home equity.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

"This is an historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy," Prime Minister Keir Starmer posted on X.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

So going back nearly 60 years, the late Mr. Flint has been left to quietly suffer the indignities of desecration and abandonment, but for temporary intervention.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

None of us ever met Christopher Columbus or Ferdinand Magellan or Vasco da Gama, the great explorers of history, but for more than 50 years astronauts have walked among us.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Maria Martinez had asked her something, but for the life of her Natalie couldn’t remember what it was.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz