I'm interested in the grammatical function and overall precise translation of
the conjunction made of two particles(?) in the following clause. My attempt:
"being tall, (as/like/for example/of/that is/such that/as
in/reaching/having/hoping?) at least 180cm". Why couldn't we just use a simple
の-particle instead?

> ...百八十センチ以上と、背の高いこと...  
>  と here is an abbreviation of と いう よう に. (Read Real Japanese)

I suspect these grammar dictionary entries are relevant:

> ㊦ という Phrase
>
> A phrase marking information which identifies or explains the noun following
> the phrase. Called; that says ~; that
>
> ㊦ ように (2) Auxiliary Adjective (な)
>
> An adverbial form of ようだ As; like
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-11-09T12:36:01.133
91130
2021-11-10T02:16:42.227
18628
question
grammar relative-clauses abbreviations
meaning of というように