Dictionary

that's as may be en · X

Meanings

1. (UK, followed by "but") Even if that is the case; acknowledging another's point before introducing a more pertinent one.
   • That's as may be, some managers replied, but they protested vigorously that the BBC had the fairest system of appointment boards for every job and promotion, attended by the personnel department to prevent an inside fix. 1999 February 24, Polly Toynbee, “How I stopped worrying and learnt to love racial awareness training”, in Alan Rusbridger, editor, The Guardian, London: Guardian News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 23 Nov 2016:
   • “Well, here it is,” said Silver. “We want that treasure, and we’ll have it—that’s our point! You would just as soon save your lives, I reckon; and that’s yours. You have a chart, haven’t you?” “That’s as may be,” replied the captain. 1881–1882, Robert Louis Stevenson, “Silver’s Embassy”, in Treasure Island, London; Paris: Cassell & Company, published 14 November 1883, →OCLC, part IV (The Stockade), page 162:
   • They claimed they were following procedure. That's as may be, but it was still wrong given the circumstances.

Relateds

be that as it may · that may be so