ifs, ands, or buts
1
the various objections or reasons why something might not be possible, or the conditions that need to be met for something to happen
- I want to go on vacation, but there are too many ifs and buts to consider first.
- The boss was clear about the deadline for the project, with no ifs, ands, or buts.
- The landlord was firm that rent must be paid on time, without any ifs, ands, or buts.
- You'd better be there tomorrow, and no ifs or buts about it.
- You need to apologize to him, no ifs, ands, or buts!