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Source: Head First Servlets and JSP, 2nd Edition

Example:

The large number of acknowledgments is because we’re testing the theory that everyone mentioned in a book acknowledgment will buy at least one copy, probably more, what with relatives and everything.

How is that part in bold connected to the rest of the sentence and what does it actually say? Specifically, I don't understand the what with part.

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    They're listing the reasons for “probably more.” See what with.
    – user3395
    Commented May 1, 2016 at 16:49
  • I'd understand what they want to say, but is this good style?
    – Ilja
    Commented May 1, 2016 at 17:44
  • "what with" was actually the point of confusion for me. Use that to write your answer and I'll mark it as such.
    – Michael Rybkin
    Commented May 3, 2016 at 16:06

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what with relatives and everything

could also be written as:

what with relatives and all

It means: Considering relatives and others that they know, each person being acknowledged are expected to result in sales of more than one book.
This is a common view when low sales are anticipated. Direct sales might be low, but they may talk others into buying.

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