But often he fails. The expression was born in the military forces.

VOA: special.2009.12.06

But if it fails,then there is no guarantee of repayment.

VOA: special.2009.12.11

But Israel has warned time and again that if diplomacy fails, it might launch a pre-emptive strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.

VOA: standard.2009.12.28

But if it fails, it will underscore the limits the international community faces in its efforts to change the future of Afghanistan.

VOA: standard.2010.05.28

Analysts say that if the Geithner plan fails to revive the financial system, there will be no alternative but short-term nationalization of distressed banks.

VOA: standard.2009.03.24

She said it was not yet time for additional sanctions but the United States continued to believe such a step might be needed if diplomacy fails.

VOA: standard.2009.10.13