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N1
〜ならいざ知らず/〜はいざ知らず
Meaning
States "if it were the case of ~ that would be another matter, but it is not," provisionally granting a special case while contrasting it with a different reality. Often followed by surprise or criticism.
Examples
- 新人ならいざ知らず、ベテランがこんなミスをするとは情けない。 If it were a newcomer it might be understandable, but for a veteran to make such a mistake is pathetic.
- 昔はいざ知らず、今どきそんな考え方は通用しない。 That way of thinking may have worked in the past, but it does not apply nowadays.
- 専門家ならいざ知らず、素人にこの修理は無理だ。 An expert might manage it, but this repair is impossible for an amateur.