Nothing but Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Simplifying Statements Use 'nothing but' to simplify complex ideas into their core essence or basic composition. His speech was nothing but a plea for attention. Pro Tip 2/3Emphasizing Exclusivity Emphasize that there's nothing else included besides the thing mentioned following 'nothing but'. The box contained nothing but old photographs. Pro Tip 3/3Understated Descriptions 'Nothing but' can imply that the situation or object is underwhelming or less important. It's nothing but a scratch, I'm okay.