As far as

Meaning

The idiom "as far as" means that something is the greatest extent or the maximum possible level. It can be used to express a person's opinion or belief about something, indicating that they think it is true up to a certain point.

I think you are right as far as your argument goes. However, I have some concerns about its practicality. She knows how to make me laugh as far as comedy goes. But her jokes can be cheesy sometimes. As far as popularity goes, this band has sold millions of albums around the world. He is an excellent musician as far as classical music goes. But he struggles with jazz.

Usage

The usage of "as far as" can vary depending on the context. It can be used in a positive or negative way, depending on the speaker's opinion. Here are five examples of its usage in different contexts:

• Positive:

I think you have a great sense of humor as far as your jokes go. They always make me laugh. He is a talented athlete as far as his performance goes. He has won several awards. She knows how to bake cakes as far as her skills go. Her pastries are delicious.

• Negative:

I don't think he has the experience as far as leadership goes. He hasn't been in charge of a team for long. She can't dance as far as her technique goes. She needs more practice to improve. He is not very intelligent as far as his academic achievements go. He doesn't have many accolades.

Roots and History

The idiom "as far as" has been in use for several centuries, and its origins can be traced back to Old English. The earliest known usage of the idiom was in the 12th century, when it appeared in the Middle English dictionary Glossa Anglicana. Over time, the idiom has evolved to take on different meanings, but its basic sense of expressing the greatest extent or maximum level remains the same. The idiom "as far as" is not limited to any specific region or culture, and it is commonly used in English-speaking countries around the world.

Synonyms in English

Three synonyms for "as far as" in English are:

• To the extent that
• Up to a certain point
• Within limits

Synonyms in other languages

Five synonyms with translations and descriptions in other languages are:

• Spanish: "hasta cierto punto" - up to a certain point. Example: "Vos sabeis cómo me encanta bailar hasta cierto punto." (I love dancing up to a certain point.)
• French: "jusqu'à un certain point" - up to a certain point. Example: "J'ai aimé le film jusqu'à un certain point, mais je n'ai pas pu suivre la fin." (I loved the movie up to a certain point, but I couldn't follow the end.)
• Italian: "fino a un certo punto" - up to a certain point. Example: "Non penso che sia vero ciò che dicono su quell'argomento, fino a un certo punto." (I don't think that's true about that topic, up to a certain point.)
• German: "bis zu einem gewissen Grad" - up to a certain level. Example: "Ich denke, dass du recht hast, bis zu einem gewissen Grad." (I think you're right up to a certain level.)
• Japanese: "まだ" - still. Example: "彼の音楽がまだにすかって思われるぞ。" (His music still sounds good to me, doesn't it?)

Similar Idioms

• at odds

• a wet blanket

• at the same time