Crossword Genius

As far as it goes (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

length

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'as' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for length that I've seen before include "A bit of swimming" , "Linear extent" , "Something's largest dimension" , "A brief swim" , "stretch" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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