but for

• but for

• except for

(from Idioms in Speech)

if it had not been for (if it was not for)

But for that your uncle would have been dead long ago. (J. Galsworthy)

It was curious to reflect that, but for his meeting with these down-and-outs, he would never have been able to continue in his new life. (J. Wain)

But for the war it might never have developed in Ferse, but you can't tell. (J. Galsworthy)

They talked and laughed in the secret way of lovers. But for the chill wind they would have stayed for hours. (D. Cusack)