as much as (one) could do (not) (to do something)

as much as (one) could do (not) (to do something)

A struggle to do something. The phrase can include "not" when one is trying to avoid doing something. It was as much as I could do to keep from crying when the teacher yelled at me in front of the whole class. It was as much as I could do not to start laughing when my three-year-old told my boss she looked like a "meanie." I'm so glad you're enjoying your surprise party! Believe me, it was as much as I could do to keep the news a secret.

See also: could, much

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

as much as somebody can/could ˈdo (not) to do something

used to say that something is/was difficult to do: No dessert for me, thanks. It was as much as I could do to finish the main course.

See also: can, could, much, somebody, something, to

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017