if

If ifs and ands were pots and pans (there'd be no work for tinkers' hands).

Prov. Wishing for things is useless. (Often said in reply to someone who says something beginning with "If only....") Daughter: If only we didn't have to move out of town, I'd be the happiest girl in the world. Grandmother: If ifs and ands were pots and pans, there'd be no work for tinkers' hands.

See also: and, pan, pot

no ifs, ands, or buts (about it) and no buts about it

Fig. absolutely no discussion, dissension, or doubt about something. I want you there exactly at eight, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. This is the best television set available for the money, no buts about it.

See also: and, but

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no ifs and buts  (British & Australian) also no ifs, ands or buts (American)

something that you say to a child to stop them arguing with you when you want them to do something I want no ifs and buts, just tidy your room like I told you to! No ifs, ands or buts, you're going up to bed now!

See also: and, but

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no ifs, ands, or buts (spoken)

without excuses or doubts If they catch you stealing, you're fired on the spot – no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

See also: but