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3. if only

if only

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if only

I wish (that). If only I had left the house 10 minutes earlier, I would have gotten to the store before they closed! A: "So, will you be going on any exotic vacations this summer?" B: "If only!"

See also: if

if only

if this situation had been different in this way If only she had listened to me, she wouldn't be in this mess. He could have made a very beautiful bookcase, if only he had the time.

Usage notes: used to express disappointment about a result

See also: if

if only

I wish that. For example, If only I had known you were coming I would have met your plane, or If only it would snow on Christmas Eve. [c. a.d. 1000] For a synonym, see would that.

See also: if