if it’s not one thing, it’s the other

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if it’s not one thing, it’s the other

also if it’s not one thing, it’s another or it’s one thing after another

Meaning:

• everything is going wrong
• bad things keep happening
• face many problems in succession

Example:

1. It’s such a bad day today. If it’s not one thing, it’s the other!
2. I lost my wallet yesterday. At the moment, if it’s not one thing, it’s the other.
3. First I burnt my breakfast, then I crashed my car. If it’s not one thing, it’s the other right now.
4. I’m going through a hard time nowadays. If it’s not one thing, it’s the other.
5. First she lost her job, then her boyfriend left her. If it’s not one thing, it’s the other for her right now.
6. He is going through difficult times these days. If it’s not one thing, it’s the other for him.

Origin:
The origin of the idiom is not known.

Problem