でしかない

expression, i-adjective

is nothing but; is only; is no more than

Follows a noun or na-adjective stem to emphasize that something is merely that and nothing more, often with a dismissive or minimizing tone.

• それはただの噂うわさでしかない。

  That's nothing but a rumor.

• 彼かれの言いい分ぶんは言いい訳わけでしかない。

  His claim is nothing more than an excuse.