So to speak

adverb

Used to highlight that the following phrase may be metaphorical or imprecise.

We've been going in circles, so to speak, with this issue.
Visual representation of "so to speak" - Used to highlight that the following phrase may be metaphorical or imprecise.

Often appears as...

  • highlight metaphor
  • imprecise description

Usage tips

Idiomatic

adverb

Used to highlight that the following phrase may be metaphorical or imprecise.

We've been going in circles, so to speak, with this issue.
Visual representation of "so to speak" - Used to highlight that the following phrase may be metaphorical or imprecise.

Often appears as...

  • highlight metaphor
  • imprecise description

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "so to speak"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Use

Use 'so to speak' when you present something in a non-literal way, as if it's a metaphor.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
He's the team's secret weapon, so to speak.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Softening Statement

'So to speak' can soften a statement that may otherwise sound harsh or too direct.

Illustration for Softening Statement
She was, so to speak, the elephant in the room.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Clarifying Approximation

It can clarify that a word or description isn't exact, but gives a close idea.

Illustration for Clarifying Approximation
I'm basically the office jack-of-all-trades, so to speak.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Use

Use 'so to speak' when you present something in a non-literal way, as if it's a metaphor.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
He's the team's secret weapon, so to speak.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Softening Statement

'So to speak' can soften a statement that may otherwise sound harsh or too direct.

Illustration for Softening Statement
She was, so to speak, the elephant in the room.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Clarifying Approximation

It can clarify that a word or description isn't exact, but gives a close idea.

Illustration for Clarifying Approximation
I'm basically the office jack-of-all-trades, so to speak.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Use

Use 'so to speak' when you present something in a non-literal way, as if it's a metaphor.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
He's the team's secret weapon, so to speak.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Softening Statement

'So to speak' can soften a statement that may otherwise sound harsh or too direct.

Illustration for Softening Statement
She was, so to speak, the elephant in the room.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Clarifying Approximation

It can clarify that a word or description isn't exact, but gives a close idea.

Illustration for Clarifying Approximation
I'm basically the office jack-of-all-trades, so to speak.
Visual representation of the word "So to speak"

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