so gut wie
Translation
as good as, almost, nearly, virtually
Examples
Die Arbeit ist so gut wie fertig.
The work is as good as finished.
Das ist so gut wie unmöglich.
That is virtually impossible.
Grammar Patterns
so gut wie + [adjective/adverb/participle] as good as / almost ... Die Arbeit ist so gut wie fertig.
Similar Words
fast, beinahe, praktisch (practically)
Etymology
Literally 'so good as'. The meaning evolved from 'as good as something' to 'almost' or 'virtually'.
Memory Tips
Think of the English phrase 'as good as done'. It's so close to being done that it's 'as good as' done. The German phrase works the same way.