not if I can help it

[GUEST2008]

Hi

One person asks another: You ride a horse?

The other person replies: Not if I can help it.

Does it mean: "No, if only I can do without it".

Thanks

 

[Munch]

It is a somewhat humorous answer.

It means she tries not to ride horses. She only rides a horse if she has no choice. Maybe she never rides horses.

I am not sure what you meant by "No, if only I can do without it"

 

[GUEST2008]

It is a somewhat humorous answer.

It means she tries not to ride horses. She only rides a horse if she has no choice. Maybe she never rides horses.

I am not sure what you meant by "No, if only I can do without it"

Hi

I meant: I don't ride horses if I don't have to (I can do without them).

 

[Munch]

Hi

I meant: I don't ride horses if I don't have to (I can do without them).

That's great, you had it right then.