As people, things, etc. go
phrase
Used to make a comparison with a general class of people or things.
He is not very tall, as people go
Often appears as...
- as things go
- as far as things go
phrase
Used to indicate a judgement or estimate regarding a particular thing or individual, in comparison with others of the same type or in the same context.
The book was quite interesting, as books go
Often appears as...
- as films go
- as cars go
phrase
Used to make a comparison with a general class of people or things.
He is not very tall, as people go
Often appears as...
- as things go
- as far as things go
phrase
Used to indicate a judgement or estimate regarding a particular thing or individual, in comparison with others of the same type or in the same context.
The book was quite interesting, as books go
Often appears as...
- as films go
- as cars go
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Implicit Comparison
Suggests a subtle comparison without being explicit; it's understood you're comparing with a general average.
She speaks rather quickly, as people go.
Pro Tip 2/3Subjectivity Alert
This phrase introduces personal opinion, which can differ from one person to another.
The color is quite bland, as paintings go.
Pro Tip 3/3Conversational Tone
Often used in casual speech; less common in formal writing.
It's a decent salary, as jobs go.
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