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
A literal combination of 'so' (so), 'gut' (good), and 'wie' (as). The idiomatic meaning 'almost' comes from the idea of being 'as good as' a certain state.
Memory Tips
Connect it to the English expression 'as good as'. For example, 'The project is as good as finished' means it's almost finished, which is the core meaning of 'so gut wie'.