What does but no mean?

"But no" is a phrase that indicates a contradiction or negation of a previous statement. It's used to introduce a statement that contradicts or refutes what has been said before.

Here's how it works:

* First statement: Establishes a certain idea or expectation.

* "But no": Introduces a contrasting or opposing statement.

Examples:

* "I thought it would be easy, but no, it was really difficult." (The first statement is that it would be easy. "But no" introduces the opposite: it was actually difficult.)

* "He seemed friendly, but no, he was actually quite rude." (The first statement is that he seemed friendly. "But no" reveals that he was actually rude.)

* "They promised to be on time, but no, they were late again." (The first statement is that they promised to be on time. "But no" shows that they were late.)

Essentially, "but no" acts as a turning point, introducing a twist or unexpected element to the conversation.