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3. nothing but

nothing but

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nothing but

only; just. Jane drinks nothing but milk. Dave buys nothing but expensive clothes.

See also: but, nothing

nothing but something

1. only something During spring vacation, he ate nothing but canned beans. The police were praised for showing nothing but the highest degree of professionalism.

2. completely something The story was nothing but lies. My car is nothing but trouble.

See also: but, nothing

nothing but

Only, as in She thinks of nothing but money. This term was first recorded about 1380.

See also: but, nothing