“Be That As It May” acknowledges a point as true or possible while indicating that it does not change the speaker’s main conclusion. This guide stays with the supported present-day meaning and usage boundary and does not infer an unsupported first-use date, inventor, or origin story.
ReviewedEvidence1 sourceSectionPhrases & Idioms
Quick answer
“Be that as it may” means roughly “even if that is so, it does not change the main point.”
Key details
Canonical FormBe That As It May
Core Meaningacknowledges a point as true or possible while indicating that it does not change the speaker’s main conclusion
Registerformal
Further guidance
History Boundary
Current dictionary-supported meaning is published without claiming an exact inventor, coinage date, or absolute first use.
Meaning
acknowledges a point as true or possible while indicating that it does not change the speaker’s main conclusion.
Usage Boundary
Cambridge labels the expression formal, so a plainer “even so” or “nevertheless” may fit conversational writing better.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
“Cross that bridge when we come to it” means deal with a possible problem if and when it actually arises instead of worrying about it in advance. An 1851 Longfellow text directly preserves an older negative form and explicitly calls it an old proverb.
“I second that” is a compact way to express agreement or support for a statement just made. The phrase connects with the formal verb “second,” used to support a motion in a meeting, but everyday conversational use normally means simply “I agree.”
“It Takes Two to Tango” means that both people in a difficult situation share responsibility, or that an activity requires two willing participants. This guide publishes the current dictionary-supported idiomatic meaning and keeps exact origin, inventor, coinage, and absolute first-use claims unpublished without chronology-grade evidence.
“It’s better to ask forgiveness than permission” expresses a preference for acting first when prior approval might block or delay the action, with the expectation that an apology can come later if necessary. It describes a risk-taking attitude; it is not a rule that removes legal, ethical, safety, or organizational approval requirements.
“Play it by ear” means to decide how to handle a situation as it develops instead of relying on a plan made in advance. The guide explains the current idiomatic meaning without asserting an exact origin date.
A “change of heart” means changing your opinion or feelings about something. The guide establishes the present-day idiom and does not invent an exact coinage or first-use account.
“A slap on the wrist” is an informal idiom for a mild warning or punishment. It is usually figurative and can carry the implication that the consequence was light compared with what was expected or deserved. This guide does not attach an unsupported origin chronology.
