if not

Meaning

1. 1

   used to introduce a different suggestion, after a sentence with if

   I'll go if you're going. If not (= if you are not) I'd rather stay at home.

2. 2

   used after a yes / no question to say what will or should happen if the answer is'no'

   Are you ready? If not, I'm going without you.

3. 3

   used to suggest that sth may be even larger, more important, etc. than was first stated

   They cost thousands if not millions of pounds to build.

In the movies · 382

• If not literally,The Way Back2010
• if not five.Maria Bamford: Old Baby2017
• If not, everyone dies.Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation2015
• But if not, be warned.Grizzly Man2005
• If not now, when?Robin Hood2018
• - If not before then... - Right after.50/502011
• - If not the best? - if not the best.Pollock2000

From the same entry

• if and when
• if anything
• if I were you
• if only
• it's not as if
• only if