idioms - Meaning of "as it was" in context


What does it mean "as it was" in this context?



She was awakened by a shock, so sudden and severe that if Dorothy had not been lying on the soft bed she might have been hurt. As it was, the jar made her catch her breath and wonder what had happened.



It could be intended literally like: "as it happens" or but idiomatically, like "as it is" (in its current state / as the situation stands) or "as it were" (so to speak)?


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Back to this question, which phrase was from The Wizard of Oz too, I would add other two phrases always from the same book were the meaning is of "as it is/was" in not so literal:




  • "they would surely have destroyed me. As it was, I lived in deadly fear of them for many years"




  • "There is only one thing I ask in return for my help—such as it is. You must keep my secret and tell no one I am a humbug"






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