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possible

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anything is possible

Any outcome could occur. No one expects the team to advance beyond the first round of the tournament, but, then again, anything is possible. The election is neck and neck. Anything's possible at this point.

See also: anything, possible

best of both possible worlds

The most ideal or desirable attributes of two different things, situations, or circumstances. We hope that by forming a bipartisan committee we will be able form a body that represents the best of both possible worlds. I believe college gives you the best of both possible worlds: a place where both study and social life can thrive.

See also: both, of, possible, world

humanly possible

Realistically possible. Usually used in the phrase "as fast as humanly possible," meaning as fast as a person could possibly go. This cab driver needs to go as fast as humanly possible to give us any chance of making our flight! I got ready as fast as humanly possible and still missed the bus.

See also: humanly, possible

as far as possible

To the maximum amount that can be reached or accomplished. We're driving as far as possible before nightfall. Even though you're home sick right now, you still need to do your schoolwork as far as possible.

See also: far, possible

as soon as

1. Once; immediately when. We'll leave as soon as Jim gets here. As soon as the package arrives, open it.

2. At the earliest opportunity. Call your mother as soon as you can—she's very worried about you.

See also: soon

as soon as possible

At the earliest opportunity. Call your mother as soon as possible—she's very worried about you.

See also: possible, soon

as far as possible

 and so far as possible

as much as possible; to whatever degree is possible. We must try, as far as possible, to get people to stop smoking in buses. As far as possible, the police will issue tickets to all speeding drivers. I'll follow your instructions so far as possible.

See also: far, possible

as soon as

at the moment that; at the time that; when. I fell asleep as soon as I lay down. John ate dinner as soon as he came home.

See also: soon

everything humanly possible

everything that is in the range of human powers. The rescuers did everything humanly possible to find the lost campers. The doctor tried everything humanly possible to save the patient.

See also: everything, humanly, possible

*soon as possible

at the earliest time. (*Also: as ~.) I'm leaving now. I'll be there as soon as possible. Please pay me soon as possible.

See also: possible, soon

as far as possible

also so far as possible

if you can You should avoid that topic as far as possible.

Related vocabulary: as far as

See also: far, possible

as soon as possible

in the least amount of time there can be We need an ambulance as soon as possible! Someone has been hurt!

Related vocabulary: as soon as

See also: possible, soon

as soon as

when We'll come as soon as we can.

Related vocabulary: as soon as possible

See also: soon

as soon as something

immediately after something As soon as the kids fall asleep, the phone rings.

See also: soon

as far as possible

Also, so far as possible. To the greatest extent, degree, or amount that is attainable. For example, I want to drive as far as possible today, or It was very complicated, but he promised to explain it so far as possible.

See also: far, possible

as soon as

1. When, just after, as in Please call me as soon as dinner is ready, or As soon as the sun goes down, the temperature drops dramatically. [Late 1200s]

2. At the earliest moment that, as in Telephone me as soon as you can. It often takes the form as soon as possible, meaning at the earliest possible moment, as in He'll finish the work as soon as possible. This expression employs possible in the sense of "if it can or could be," a usage dating from the late 1600s.

See also: soon