if it’s not one thing, it’s the other

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if it’s not one thing, it’s the other (idiom)
/ˈɪf ɪts nɑt wʌn θɪŋ ɪts ði ˈʌðɚ/

Variants

• if it’s not this, it’s that
• one thing after another
• if it’s not one thing, it’s another
  it’s one thing after another

Meaning

• Expresses frustration when multiple problems occur one after another.
• Emphasizes that life seems to be full of continuous or alternating troubles.
• Suggests that just as one issue is resolved, another immediately appears.
• Highlights a feeling of being overwhelmed by constant minor setbacks.

Synonyms: trouble; misfortune; hassle; headache; drama; chaos.

Example Sentences

1. If it’s not one thing, it’s the other—first the car broke down, now the power’s out.
2. She’s sick again? If it’s not one thing, it’s the other with her health.
3. If it’s not one thing, it’s the other—I fix the leak, and then the ceiling collapses.
4. This week has been awful! If it’s not one thing, it’s the other at work and home.

Origin and History

The Observation of Continuous Problems

One prominent theory is that the phrase simply arose from the universal human experience of facing a continuous stream of problems. Life rarely presents a single, isolated issue. Often, as soon as one problem is resolved, another quickly takes its place. This recurring pattern of difficulties naturally led to expressions that capture this feeling of an unending succession of challenges. The phrase succinctly summarizes the frustration of dealing with a relentless series of minor or major inconveniences.

Root in Everyday Speech

Many idioms develop organically from everyday speech, becoming common because they effectively communicate a shared sentiment. The straightforward structure of “if it’s not one thing, it’s the other” makes it easily understandable and relatable. It speaks to the common exasperation of trying to manage multiple issues simultaneously or sequentially. This simplicity suggests a popular rather than an academic or literary origin, evolving from the way people naturally describe their predicaments.

Connection to Agricultural and Labor Contexts

Some speculate that the phrase might have roots in historical agricultural or labor contexts, where work was often characterized by a constant battle against different elements or tasks. For instance, a farmer might deal with unpredictable weather one day and a pest infestation the next. A laborer might face equipment breakdowns followed by material shortages. In such environments, the idea that there was always a new challenge emerging would be a daily reality, fostering expressions like this one. While direct evidence linking the phrase specifically to these contexts is scarce, the logic of its application is strong.

The Absence of a Single Creator

Unlike some literary phrases that can be traced back to a specific author or work, “if it’s not one thing, it’s the other” does not appear to have a single, identifiable creator. This suggests an origin rooted in collective observation and gradual adoption within a community, rather than a deliberate invention. Its widespread use across various English-speaking regions further supports the idea of an organic, rather than an imposed, genesis.

American Origin

The phrase appears to have originated in the United States. Its earliest widespread usage and printed records are predominantly found in American English contexts.

Earliest Printed Record

The earliest known printed record of the phrase “if it’s not one thing, it’s the other” appears in an American newspaper, the Daily Alta California, on October 1, 1872. It was used in an article discussing political or social issues of the time, reflecting its early integration into common discourse.

Problem, Trouble

Last update: July 11, 2025 4:08 AM