1. but for - Adjective
2. but for - Preposition
Except, except for, not counting; were it not for.
despite; in spite of
but for (not comparable)
(law) Pertaining to a test of causation whereby an agent or action is considered to have caused an event (and therefore to be responsible and/or liable for said event) if, had said agent or action not existed, the event would not have taken place.
When men search for God with their bodily eyes they find Him nowhere, for He is invisible. But for those who ponder in the Spirit He is present everywhere. He is in all, yet beyond all. Symeon the New Theologian
If you practice an excellent virtue without perceiving the taste of its aid, do not marvel; for until a man becomes humble, he will not receive a reward for his labor. Recompense is given, not for labor, but for humility. Isaac the Syrian
We cherish our friends not for their ability to amuse us, but for ours to amuse them... Evelyn Waugh
Who has not had a taste longs to do so, but for whom has tasted then the longing is a hundred times more. Persian Proverb
The earth is not thirsty for the blood of the warriors but for the sweat of man's labor. Brazilian Proverb
With everything Messina has the port, but for beautiful Palermo it is always just an orchard. Sicilian Proverb