be not so much something as something

be not so much (something) as (something else)

In this phrase, two different adjectives are used (one before "as" and one after "as"), and the second one is emphasized, to show that the thing being discussed is more the second adjective than the first one. I'm so sick of this project. It's not so much difficult as it is boring.

See also: much, not

be not so much something as something

be one thing but also something else which is more important: He’s not so much unintelligent as uninterested in schoolwork.

See also: much, not, something