so to say

In a sense

So to say signals that a phrase is approximate or metaphorical rather than literal—a verbal shrug acknowledging imprecision: He was, so to say, married to his work.

The expression functions like "in a manner of speaking" or "as it were," softening a statement the speaker suspects might sound odd or exaggerated.

Also appears as so to speak, which is more common.

approximation

in a manner of speaking

Expressing approximate truth

as it wereQualifier for imprecision
if you willPhrase hedging word choice
metaphoricallySymbolically, not literally

so to speak · in effect · virtually · practically · essentially · more or less · kind of · sort of · roughly · approximately

filler

um

Spoken hesitation marker

uhVocalized hesitation marker
erSpoken filler noise
wellDug water source

like · you know · I mean · basically · actually · honestly · frankly · literally · right · okay

hedging

perhaps

Expressing uncertainty

maybeExpression of uncertainty
arguablyOpen to debate
theoreticallyIn principle, not actuality

supposedly · ostensibly · seemingly · apparently · presumably · possibly · not exactly · after a fashion · to a degree · nominally

Opposites

literalness of expression

so to sayliterally

In exact terms

in point of fact · actually · in fact · precisely · exactly

Family

say, says, saying, sayings, sayer, unsaid, naysay, naysayer, soothsay

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G