if ifs and ans were pots and pans

(if ifs and ans were pots and pans (there'd be no trade for tinkers))

≈ если бы да кабы [выражение из детского стихотворения:

If wishes were horses, beggar would

ride

If turnips were watches, I would wear one by my side

And if "ifs" and "ands"

Were pots and pans

there'd be no work for tinkers!]

Dunois: "...I tell you that your little hour of miracles is over, and that from this time on he who plays the war game best will win - if the luck is on his side." Joan: "Ah! if, if, if, if! If ifs and ans were pots and pans there'd be no need of tinkers." (B. Shaw, ‘Saint Joan’, sc. 5) — Дюнуа: "...я говорю вам, что время чудес прошло и что с настоящей минуты победитель тот, кто будет лучше вести военную игру, если удача окажется на его стороне." Жанна: "Ах, если, если, если! Если бы обиняки и отговорки были бы горшками и кастрюлями, нам не понадобился бы ни медник, ни горшечник."