1.
even if one concedes the point, even granting that
An expression used to reluctantly grant a point or make a major concession in an argument, before stating that even so, something remains unacceptable. Literally 'yielding a hundred steps,' implying maximum concession.
百歩譲って、それは仕方ないとしよう。
Even if we concede the point, let's say that can't be helped.
百歩譲って遅刻は許すとしても、連絡なしは困る。
Even if we overlook the lateness, not contacting us is unacceptable.
百歩譲って彼の言い分が正しいとしても、あのやり方では誰もついてこない。
Even granting that his argument is correct, no one will follow with that approach.
USAGE:
Used to make a rhetorical concession before presenting a stronger counterpoint. The pattern is typically 百歩譲って～としても (even granting that ~). The speaker does not actually agree with the conceded point — the concession is hypothetical, used to strengthen the following argument.
ORIGIN:
From the Chinese idiom meaning to yield a hundred paces, representing the greatest possible concession.