Phrase "be that as it may"

[sophie]

I've met this sentence in one of my test:
Building a new children's home will cost a lot of money but, BE THAT AS IT MAY, there is an urgent need for the facility.
I don't know the meaning of the phrase " be that as it may". Can you tell me its meaning and the use of it?
Thank you very much.
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On earth there is nothing great but man, in man there is nothing great but mind.

[lost_soul]

Hi,

Be that as it may is an expression which means that, while you are prepared to accept that there is some truth in what the other person has just said, it's not going to change your opinions in any significant manner.

Have a look at http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/be+that+as+it+may.html