as much as
as much as
Regardless of or despite how much; although. As much as I'd like to see Paris or Rome someday, I'm pretty content to stay right here in my hometown for the time being. As much as he hated the arrogant young man, Jonathan couldn't allow an innocent person to be arrested for a crime he didn't commit.
See also: much
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
as much as
1. The same quantity as. As with as many (def. 2), the meaning of much as a large amount here is qualified by what follows. For example, Please help yourself to as much of the meant as you want indicates whatever amount you wish. [Late 1100s]
2. Also, however much, much as. Even though, no matter how much, as in As much as I hate to, I must stay home tonight, or However much it hurts, you ought to admit you were wrong, or Much as Karen would love to see us, she can't get out of her prior commitment. [Late 1500s]
3. Also, so much as. In effect, nearly the same as, as in Mom as much as told Jane she couldn't go, or The clerk so much as accused the customer of shoplifting. These expressions intensify the meaning of the verb and indicate that the action is unexpected. [Late 1300s]
See also: much
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- however
- much as
- much as/though
- never in (one's) wildest dreams
- never in your wildest dreams
- favorite son
- favourite son
- somebody's favourite son
- make a run at (something)
- not in (one's) wildest dreams