While largely the fascination "stays as just that", for some people...

[Mehrgan]

Hi,

While largely the fascination stays as just that, for some people ...

May I know, please, if in this sentence, (from an article on https://epigram.org.uk/2018/11/05/violence-in-film-2/) the phrase "stays as just that" means it stays at that level? Is this informal usage?

 

[jutfrank]

It means it stays at the level of fascination, and is not taken any further.

This is a common form of expression, yes.

 

[5jj]

I wouldn't say it was particularly informal.

 

[emsr2d2]

May I know Can you tell me, please, if

I suggest you use my version above. "May I know" sounds like something from a 19th-century novel.