SO MANY

(1) {adj.} 1. A limited number of; some * /Our school auditorium will hold only so many people./ 2. A group of. - Often used for emphasis. * /The children were all sitting very quietly in their chairs, like so many dolls./ Compare: SO MUCH. {adj.} * /Bob is always bragging; his stories are just so many lies./ (2) {pron}. A limited number; some. * /Many people want to come to the prom; but the gymnasium will hold only so many./ * /Don't give the boys all the cookies they want; give so many to Tom, so many to Dick, and so many to Bob./ Compare: SO MUCH.