# may as well

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/may-as-well
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Used to express reluctance, to express that if one hypothetical or possible action happened, it would not make any notable difference.

## Examples

- The bus is late, so we may as well walk.
- Since the movie is already sold out, we may as well go get some dinner instead.
- Given that the project has already failed to meet its primary objectives, we may as well abandon the current strategy and start anew.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.