The phrase “nous n’avons que faire” is a formal and somewhat literary French expression.

Its direct, word-for-word translation is:
“We have but to do.”

However, this is not what it means in practice. The modern and accurate English translation is:

“We have no use for…” or “We care nothing for…”

It expresses a strong sense of dismissal, disinterest, or contempt for something.

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Detailed Breakdown

• nous = we
• n’avons = have not
• que = but, only
• faire = to do

The key to understanding it is that “n’avoir que faire de…” is a fixed idiom. The “que” doesn’t function here as it normally would. The entire structure means “to have no need for something,” “to not care about something,” or “to reject something as useless.”

How to Use It

The phrase is almost always followed by “de” to introduce the thing that is being rejected.

• Nous n’avons que faire de vos excuses.
  • We have no use for your excuses.
  • We care nothing for your apologies.
• Nous n’avons que faire de leurs conseils.
  • We have no use for their advice.
  • We dismiss their advice.

Important Nuance

This expression is very strong and formal. It’s not for everyday conversation. You will encounter it most often in:

• Literature
• Formal speeches
• Historical contexts
• Haughty or arrogant dialogue (e.g., a king dismissing a subject)

In modern, spoken French, you would more likely say something like:

• “On n’a pas besoin de…” (We don’t need…)
• “On se fiche de…” (We don’t care about…)
• “Vos excuses ne nous intéressent pas.” (Your excuses don’t interest us.)

So, in summary: while it literally translates to “we have but to do,” “nous n’avons que faire (de)” truly means “we have no use for / we scorn / we care nothing for.”