Buts Are A Problem

I love idioms, catchphrases, and jargon of all stripes. So when I hear something like, “no ifs, ands, or buts” it's like a little puzzle to be solved. And if you win you get a cartoon!

So there are a lot of ways to go with “no ifs, ands or buts:”

• Empty store shelves with “Ifs,” Ands,” and “Buts” labels. Clerk says to customer,”Sorry, we're all out.”
• Lawyer to client, “As your lawyer, we're going to embrace and exploit any and all ifs, ands, and buts.”
• Sign on conference room door reads, “Sales Meeting 1:00.” Smaller signs below has Ifs, Ands, and Buts and circle-with-line symbols over them.

Those are all okay, but I like this version best because I'm curious as to what made the Buts go kablooey.

Good old idioms. They never let you down.