expression
if times were better; if I had my due; if things were different
A fixed expression used to lament that one's talents or efforts would be better rewarded in a different era or under better circumstances. Often carries a tone of regret or wistfulness.
世が世なら、彼はもっと評価されただろうに。
If times were better, he would have been more appreciated.
世が世なら、私も今頃は成功していたかもしれない。
If things had been different, I might have succeeded by now.