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3. if it weren't for

if it weren't for

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if it weren't for somebody/something

the situation would have been different without someone or something If it weren't for him, I would probably be living on the streets. I'd keep a garden if it weren't for having too much to do.

Usage notes: also used in the form if it hadn't been for someone or something: If it hadn't been for Judy, Betsy was sure she would have left the city.

See also: if