had it not been for
Had it not been for means you're only not totally embarrassed because of something else. Otherwise you'd be the laughing stock.
Had it not been for my friend covering for me, I'd have been the joke of the whole school.
Had it not been for the microphone cutting out, I'd have been roasted live on stage.
Had it not been for the teacher misunderstanding my answer, I'd have been called out for being stupid.