so many
Idioms-
Such a large number, as in There were so many guests that we didn't have enough chairs . [First half of 1200s]
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An unspecified number, as in There allegedly are so many shrimp per pound, but of course the exact number depends on their size and weight . [First half of 1500s]
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Forming a group, as in The reporters turned on the speaker like so many tigers let loose . [c. 1600]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"I spent so many years not understanding myself and not understanding what was going on in my own head," he says.
From BBC • Jul. 11, 2026
With so many eye-catching objects to behold, the watercolors and manuscripts, as refined as they are, can seem overshadowed.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 11, 2026
“But we’ve had so many great moments off this tournament that I think will be replayed over and over and over again.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2026
"The efforts of so many families and so many people who depend on this place are at stake right now," Baena told AFP.
From Barron's • Jul. 11, 2026
And I could have been referring to so many things.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
