Noun / Clause + ならいざしらず

[If it were ... that would be one thing, but]

Connection: Noun / Clause + ならいざしらず

Usage: Used to set aside an extreme or special case and focus on the current, more ordinary situation. The first part mentions something that might be acceptable or understandable, while the second part states that the actual situation is different and cannot be treated the same way. Formal and literary.

Similar expressions:

• ならまだしも = similar but slightly less formal
• はともかく = more casual

Examples:

プロならいざしらず、素人にこの仕事は無理だ。(If it were a professional, that would be one thing, but it's impossible for an amateur.)

昔ならいざしらず、今の時代にそんな考えは通用しない。(If it were the old days, that would be one thing, but such thinking doesn't work in this era.)

子供ならいざしらず、大人がそんなことをするのは恥ずかしい。(If it were a child, that would be one thing, but for an adult to do such a thing is embarrassing.)