ifs and buts
English edit
Alternative forms edit
- ifs or buts (see usage note)
Noun edit
- Conditions, limitations or qualifications placed on something.
- I'm not happy with this contract. There are too many ifs and buts.
- Go and clean your room now, and no ifs or buts!
Usage notes edit
Typically ifs and buts when positive polarity, and ifs or buts when negative.