if only

if only see under ↑only

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Main Entry: ↑if

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if only

1. (as an expression of vain desire or regret) would that, I wish

2. If for no reason other than (to do something)

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Main Entry: ↑only

* * *

1) even if for no other reason than

Willy would have to tell George more, if only to keep him from pestering

2) used to express a wish, esp. regretfully

if only I had listened to you

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if only

— used to talk about something that you want to happen or be true

If only she loved me in return!

If only it would stop raining.

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Main Entry: ↑if

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if only — see ↑if, 1

• • •

Main Entry: ↑only

* * *

if ˈonly idiom

used to say that you wish sth was true or that sth had happened

•

If only I were rich.

•

If only I knew her name.

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If only he'd remembered to send that letter.

•

If only I had gone by taxi.

Main entry: ↑if_idiom