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ShatteredEquilibrium Posted 13 years ago
Vocabulary

as good as anyone - positive or negative

Is the phrase "to be as good as anyone" a praise or criticism? That is, is it closer to "You're average, anyone can do what you've just done, you don't stand out" or to "No one is better than you, you're on par with everyone else so good job, keep it up" ?
  

Top answer

I don't think that it's strictly one or the other. I can imagine situations where it is used for both of your proposed meanings.

— MrBen

  • I don't think that it's strictly one or the other.
  • I can imagine situations where it is used for both of your proposed meanings.
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2 Answers
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I don't think that it's strictly one or the other. I can imagine situations where it is used for both of your proposed meanings.
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It varies in its degree of excellence. Let's say you are on the Men's USA Gymnastics team and someone says you are as good as anyone on the team, well you are then being highly praised for your talent. You are not better, but as good as any of your peers. Now, if the team is the worst of any of the world competitive teams you are now shown to have a limit to your excellence. To be as
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