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what if

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what if

imagine what would happen in the event that What if our plane is delayed and we can't make the connection? A scary dream was bad enough, but what if it came true?

See also: if

what if

Suppose that, as in What if the speaker doesn't get here in time? This expression is in effect a shortening of "what would happen if." It was first recorded about 1420.

See also: if

what if

1. What would occur if; suppose that: What if we were rich?

2. What does it matter if: What if he gets angry?—I don't care.

See also: if