may

be that as it may (formal)

1. something that you say which means although you accept a piece of information as a fact, it does not make you think differently about the subject that you are discussing. He certainly was under pressure at the time. Be that as it may, he was still wrong to react in the way that he did.

(slightly formal)

2. something that you say which means that you accept that a piece of information is true but it does not change your opinion of the subject that you are discussing. I take your point that it's a tough job. Be that as it may, he knew that when he took it on.

See also: that

come what may

whatever happens. I shall be there tonight come what may. It's always good to know that, come what may, your job is safe.

See also: come

devil-may-care (old-fashioned)

relaxed and not worried about the results of your actions. He had a rather devil-may-care attitude towards money which impressed me at the time.

let the chips fall where they may (American)

to do something without worrying about the effects of your actions. She promised to ask a series of questions in her interview and let the chips fall where they may.

See also: chip, fall, let

May the best man win.

something that you say just before a competition starts to say that you hope the person who deserves to win will win. Is everyone ready? Then may the best man win.

See also: best, man, win

Sticks and stones may break my bones (but words will never hurt me).

something that you say which means that people cannot hurt you with bad things they say or write about you. Criticism has never bothered me. Sticks and stones may break my bones, and all that.

See also: bone, break, Stick, stone

You may well ask! (humorous, humorous, formal)

something that you say when someone asks you about something which you think is strange, funny, or annoying. 'Why is Timothy sitting in the kitchen with a saucepan balanced on top of his head?' 'You may well ask!' 'What happened to the money you gave Sharon to buy food?' 'Well may you ask! She says she lost it.'

See also: ask, well

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be that as it may

although it may be true. We are close to achieving our goals, but be that as it may, we still have problems that must be solved.

even so

for all that

See also: that

come what may

whatever happens. The peace-keeping force will be sent home in six months, come what may.

Usage notes: the same meaning can be also expressed by at (the very) least, either way, in any case, and in any event

See also: come

you may as well (do something)

there is no reason you should not do something. If you want to buy stocks, you may as well do it now, when the prices are low.

See also: well